Bad Blood

Sleeping At Last's 'Bad Blood' is a contemplative exploration of human nature, grace, and the eternal struggle between our inherent flaws and our quest for redemption. The song opens with a vivid image of humanity as a 'sculpture of water and unsettled dust,' suggesting our fragile and transient nature. This sets the stage for a deeper reflection on the 'bad blood' that has plagued humanity from 'Genesis to the last generation,' indicating a historical and perhaps biblical context of original sin and inherited flaws.

The lyrics delve into the concept of grace, a recurring theme in many spiritual and philosophical discussions. The line 'we wrestle with it all, the concept of grace' captures the ongoing struggle to understand and accept grace amidst our imperfections. The 'faithful concrete' that 'breaks our fall' symbolizes the grounding force of faith or belief that supports us even when we falter. This juxtaposition of grace and human frailty is a central theme, highlighting the tension between our aspirations for goodness and the reality of our imperfections.

The song also touches on the idea of collective human experience and knowledge. Phrases like 'we know it all by heart' and 'the whole is greater than the sum of its parts' emphasize the shared wisdom and interconnectedness of humanity. The repetition of 'in beauty there echoes a speck of our source' suggests that despite our flaws, there is an inherent beauty and divine spark within us all. This notion is further explored through the imagery of 'firewood burning bright in the dead of winter,' symbolizing hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Ultimately, 'Bad Blood' is a poignant reflection on the human condition, our struggles with faith and grace, and the enduring beauty that lies within our shared experiences.