Flood II

The Sisters Of Mercy's song 'Flood II' is a haunting exploration of emotional turmoil and resilience. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a hallway that moves like the ocean, symbolizing the ebb and flow of emotions. This imagery sets the stage for a narrative that delves into the overwhelming nature of life's challenges, likened to a flood. The repetition of the hallway moving 'like the sea' suggests a constant, almost hypnotic rhythm, reflecting the relentless nature of these emotional waves.

The chorus introduces a voice of reassurance, telling the listener that no harm will come their way and to embrace the wave. This can be interpreted as a call to face one's fears and challenges head-on, with the promise of divine protection or inner strength ('Grace of God and raise your arms'). The phrase 'Face it and it's a place to stay' implies that confronting these emotional floods can lead to a sense of stability and acceptance. The song's structure, with its repetitive and almost chant-like quality, reinforces this message of resilience and endurance.

The latter part of the song shifts to a more introspective tone, with the narrator reflecting on a sense of isolation and the passage of time. The imagery of 'strange men rent strange flowers' and 'seconds to the drop but it feels like hours' evokes a surreal, almost dreamlike state. This section underscores the disorienting effect of emotional upheaval, yet the recurring motif of the flood suggests that these feelings, too, will pass. The song ultimately portrays a journey through emotional chaos towards a place of acceptance and strength, encapsulated in the powerful metaphor of the flood.