And When He Falleth

Theatre of Tragedy's song "And When He Falleth" delves deep into the themes of faith, doubt, and the human condition. The lyrics are a dialogue between two characters, one a believer and the other a skeptic, exploring the nature of belief and the existence of a higher power. The song opens with a question about Christianity, setting the stage for a philosophical and theological debate. The believer's faith is juxtaposed against the skeptic's cynicism, creating a tension that runs throughout the song.

The lyrics are rich with metaphors and references to classical literature, such as Dante's "Divine Comedy" and the concept of the "divine tragedy." The imagery of a falcon being trained with its eyes sewn shut serves as a powerful metaphor for blind faith and submission to a higher power. The skeptic challenges the believer to remove their cross, questioning the sincerity and depth of their faith. This act symbolizes the stripping away of superficial symbols to reveal the true nature of belief.

The song also touches on the darker aspects of the human experience, such as famine, pestilence, war, disease, and death. These elements are presented as evidence against the existence of a benevolent deity. The skeptic argues that if a God of love and life ever existed, He is now long dead, replaced by something far more malevolent. The song concludes with a reference to Lucifer's fall, symbolizing the ultimate descent into doubt and despair. This powerful ending leaves the listener contemplating the fragile nature of faith and the ever-present shadow of doubt.