Cain

Tiamat's song 'Cain' delves into themes of love, loss, and eternal bonds, wrapped in a dark, poetic narrative. The lyrics are rich with metaphors and references that paint a picture of a complex relationship marked by both devotion and suffering. The mention of 'crystalized' love and a 'rose with nevermore' suggests a love that is both beautiful and tragic, enduring through time but ultimately leading to pain and desolation, symbolized by 'thistles on my shore.' This imagery sets the tone for a story of a love that is both divine and cursed, with the blood on the narrator's hands representing the sacrifices made for this bond.

The chorus, 'If I go will you follow / Me through the cracks and hollows / And I would be your Cain / If you would be here now,' evokes the biblical story of Cain and Abel, where Cain is marked by God after committing fratricide. Here, the narrator is willing to take on the role of Cain, suggesting a readiness to bear the burden of guilt and sin if it means maintaining the connection with their beloved. This willingness to traverse 'cracks and hollows' signifies a journey through dark and difficult times, emphasizing the depth of their commitment.

The song also incorporates mystical and religious elements, such as 'The Mother-of-Pearl / Handcrafted by God' and references to 'Lady Nuit' and 'Ra-Hoor-Khuit,' deities from Thelema, a spiritual philosophy developed by Aleister Crowley. These references add layers of spiritual significance to the relationship, portraying it as something that transcends the physical realm. The final lines, 'In your night we find shelter / Before the Helter Skelter,' suggest seeking refuge in the divine or the mystical before facing chaos, further highlighting the eternal and unbreakable bond between the narrator and their beloved.