Meaning of Devils And Angels (Hatred) - Rufus Wainwright

Rufus Wainwright's composition, "Devils And Angels (Hatred)," offers a profound meditation on the internal discord and the perpetual conflict between virtue and malevolence within the individual psyche. The song's lyrics encapsulate a visceral confrontation with animosity and the inner malevolent forces that threaten to engulf the central figure.

The recurring motif of "Hatred on the horizon" establishes a foreboding ambiance throughout the piece, intimating that enmity and aggression loom as imminent perils necessitating direct confrontation. Evocative imagery such as the shattering of scepters, lowering drawbridges, and emptying catapults evokes a palpable sense of readiness for battle, both inwardly and outwardly.

Wainwright's deft use of symbolism, including the unlocking of padlocks and the swallowing of keys, conveys a profound resignation to and acceptance of one's predetermined fate. The lyrical narrative conveys a poignant sense of inevitability, suggesting the protagonist's tacit acknowledgment of capitulating to the darkness residing within.

Central to the thematic essence of the song is the chorus's repetition of "Devils, devils and angels," serving to accentuate the internal strife between diametrically opposed forces. The protagonist grapples with the dual nature of their being, torn between yielding to the "monstrosities" or endeavoring toward redemption and moral rectitude.

The poignant declaration, "I'm gonna give myself away," serves as a poignant testament to the protagonist's willingness to relinquish agency and surrender to the tumultuous maelstrom of inner turmoil. It conveys a profound sense of resignation or, perhaps, a desperate entreaty for emancipation from the internal tumult besieging them.

The evocative imagery of galloping sounds and the redolence of blood further heighten the atmosphere of conflict and imminent peril. Wainwright masterfully paints a vivid tableau of an existential battle raging within the soul, where distinctions between righteousness and depravity become blurred, and the outcome hangs precariously in the balance.

In summary, "Devils And Angels (Hatred)" by Rufus Wainwright emerges as a haunting exploration of the intricate tapestry of human nature and the perpetual struggle to reconcile conflicting emotions. Through the adept utilization of powerful imagery and lyrical poignancy, Wainwright encapsulates the tumultuous odyssey of self-discovery and the eternal conflict between illumination and obscurity that resonates within each of us.