Cathedral Walls

Swallow The Sun's 'Cathedral Walls' is a haunting exploration of grief, isolation, and the emotional numbness that can follow a profound loss. The song opens with a sense of directionlessness, questioning where to go after words have been left unspoken. This sets the tone for a journey through sorrow, where the protagonist carries an emotional burden through a metaphorical 'gentle summer rain,' symbolizing a time that should be peaceful but is instead marked by inner turmoil. The imagery of a still, weeping convoy and the protagonist's detachment from their surroundings underscores the depth of their emotional numbness.

The recurring motif of candles on cathedral walls chasing weak light under the saints' eyes adds a layer of spiritual desolation. This imagery suggests a search for solace in faith, but the light is weak, and the comfort it offers is shallow. The protagonist's mourning is intensely personal and isolating, as they feel alone despite the presence of others. The silence that 'speaks a million words' highlights the inadequacy of conventional expressions of comfort, which feel empty and insufficient in the face of such profound grief.

As the song progresses, the protagonist's sorrow begins to transform into hate, a common but often unspoken aspect of the grieving process. The guardian angels turning away signify a loss of hope and a descent into a personal hell. The repeated vow to follow the deceased 'earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust' reflects a deep, almost obsessive connection to the lost loved one, even as it leads the protagonist further into despair. The song closes with a reiteration of the protagonist's isolation in mourning, emphasizing the enduring and solitary nature of their grief.