Arkangel

Thornhill's 'Arkangel' is a haunting exploration of love, obsession, and inner turmoil. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship that teeters on the edge of destruction, with the protagonist grappling with intense emotions and a sense of loss. The repeated plea to 'fly away with me into the Sun' suggests a desire for escape and transcendence, a longing to leave behind the pain and confusion that permeates their current reality.

The imagery of angels and the color red are powerful metaphors throughout the song. The protagonist's need for an angel signifies a yearning for purity, guidance, and salvation amidst their chaotic emotions. However, the repeated phrase 'I see red' indicates anger, passion, and perhaps a sense of betrayal. This duality reflects the complexity of human emotions, where love and rage often coexist. The line 'I know your room like I know my head' further emphasizes the deep, almost invasive familiarity the protagonist has with their partner, blurring the lines between love and obsession.

The song also delves into themes of identity and self-worth. The protagonist's assertion that 'everything you've ever wanted to be was in the image of me' reveals a narcissistic tendency, suggesting that their partner's identity is intertwined with their own. This dynamic is further complicated by the admission of being a 'killer, a slayer, a man who's lost his way,' indicating a recognition of their own flaws and the destructive impact they have on the relationship. The closing lines, 'Make it hurt,' encapsulate the masochistic nature of their love, where pain and passion are inextricably linked.