Afterhours

The song 'Afterhours' by The Sisters Of Mercy paints a vivid picture of a late-night experience filled with introspection and a sense of melancholy. The lyrics open with a reference to a mirror, suggesting a moment of self-reflection or perhaps a confrontation with one's own image. The mention of 'Black Mariah' in the eyes could symbolize a sense of doom or foreboding, as 'Black Mariah' is often associated with police vans or hearses, hinting at a darker undertone. The phrase 'England fades away' evokes a sense of disconnection or loss, as if the familiar world is slipping away into the night.

As the song progresses, the setting becomes more specific with the mention of 'Two O'clock in the morning' and 'Ninety-four degrees,' indicating a hot, sleepless night. The stillness and heat create a heavy, almost oppressive atmosphere, while the cars passing by on Fifth Avenue add a sense of urban isolation. The lyrics 'Get up off the floor and angel put your clothes on' suggest a moment of intimacy or vulnerability that must come to an end, as the characters prepare to leave their secluded space and re-enter the outside world.

The repeated invitation to 'take a ride' serves as a metaphor for escape or a journey, both literal and figurative. It implies a desire to break free from the current state of ennui and seek something different, perhaps a new experience or a change of scenery. The song captures the essence of a nocturnal adventure, filled with a mix of longing, introspection, and the urge to move forward despite the weight of the night.