An Unkindness Of Ravens

Sanders Bohlke's 'An Unkindness Of Ravens' is a haunting and evocative song that delves into themes of despair, divine sorrow, and the encroaching darkness. The song opens with vivid imagery of a weeping God, whose heart is breaking amidst a world filled with suffering and chaos. This sets a somber tone, suggesting a divine presence that is deeply affected by the turmoil and pain experienced by humanity. The use of 'teeth are gnashing' evokes a sense of intense anguish and distress, often associated with biblical descriptions of hell and suffering.

As the song progresses, the imagery becomes even more intense, with blood running and hearts beating, painting a picture of a world on the brink of collapse. The sky filling with 'heavy breathing' adds to the sense of impending doom, as if the very atmosphere is suffocating under the weight of the world's sorrows. The ringing bells and calling sirens serve as warnings to those who are aware of the darkness that is falling, creating a sense of urgency and foreboding.

The final verses introduce the concept of 'an unkindness of ravens,' a poetic term for a group of ravens, which traditionally symbolize death and ill omen. Their descent for the reaping suggests an inevitable and grim fate, as if the ravens are harbingers of the end times. The juxtaposition of a weeping God and a laughing devil highlights the stark contrast between divine sorrow and malevolent joy, emphasizing the profound sense of despair and hopelessness that permeates the song. Bohlke's use of rich, dark imagery and metaphors creates a powerful and unsettling narrative that resonates deeply with listeners, leaving them to ponder the weight of the world's suffering and the divine response to it.