The Meaning Behind The Song: Evil by Interpol
One of the most influential post-punk revival bands of the 21st century, Interpol, has captured the attention of fans worldwide with their haunting melodies and introspective lyrics. One of the standout tracks from their 2004 album, Antics, is the brooding song “Evil.” In this article, we’ll delve into the meaning behind the song, examining the lyrics, instrumentation, and context of its creation.
Table of Contents
The Lyrics of Evil
At first glance, the lyrics of “Evil” can seem bleak, as they explore the idea of a doomed relationship. The opening lines are particularly ominous: “Rosemary, heaven restores you in life / You’re coming with me through the aging, the strife.” Lead singer Paul Banks has described the song as “a dialogue between two people who are in a doomed relationship,” where one person is leading the other down a destructive path, and they are both aware of it.
Throughout the song, Banks uses a range of poetic metaphors to describe the emotions involved in this kind of relationship. For example, he sings, “Come see, night falls, scraping with toes / Scalpel, pocket, gone again.” These cryptic lines convey a sense of danger and unease, as if the characters are edging closer to a dangerous precipice.
The chorus, “Oh, rosemary, heaven restores you in life / I spent a lifespan with no cellmate to know / You’re drifting in and out of the light / Meantime, I flounder on,” speaks to the sense of isolation and despair that can result from such relationships. The character is lost and alone, unable to connect with someone who they once held close.
The Instrumentation of Evil
“Evil” is one of the most recognizable songs in Interpol’s discography, due in no small part to its distinctive guitar riff. The song’s opening guitar lick, played by Daniel Kessler, sets the brooding, atmospheric tone for the rest of the track. The slow, deliberate pace of the song allows the listener to get lost in its hypnotic rhythms, while the propulsive drumming of Sam Fogarino injects a sense of urgency and energy.
The song’s instrumentation is notable for its use of space and silence. The instrumental breaks between verses allow listeners to catch their breath, creating a sensation of being pulled into the murky atmosphere of the song. The sparseness of the arrangement lends the song a haunting quality, further emphasizing the sense of isolation and loneliness inherent in the lyrics.
The Context of Evil’s Creation
Interpol recorded “Evil” during the sessions for their second album, Antics, which was released in 2004. The band had already found success with their debut album, Turn on the Bright Lights, which had garnered critical acclaim and a loyal following. Antics builds on the sonic template of the first album, with more emphasis on melody and tighter song structures.
“Evil” was released as the second single from Antics, and it quickly became one of Interpol’s most successful songs. The track’s video, directed by critically acclaimed filmmaker Charlie White, features the band playing in a series of stark, white rooms, while strange and surreal images flash on the screen behind them. The video’s unsettling imagery perfectly complements the song’s ominous tone, creating a powerful visual accompaniment to the music.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What inspired Interpol to write “Evil”?
Interpol has been ambiguous about the direct inspiration behind the song, but they have hinted that it was an exploration of the darker side of relationships.
2. Is “Evil” autobiographical?
While many of Interpol’s songs are written from personal experience, it’s unclear whether “Evil” is based on a real-life experience.
3. What does the title “Evil” mean?
The title of the song is intentionally vague, and can be interpreted in a number of ways. Some have suggested that it refers to the dark, foreboding atmosphere of the song, while others believe it refers to the toxic nature of the relationship explored in the lyrics.
4. What has the critical response to “Evil” been like?
“Evil” was universally praised by critics upon its release, and has been cited as one of the best songs of the post-punk revival era.
5. What role does the guitar play in “Evil”?
The guitar riff played by Daniel Kessler is one of the most recognizable and iconic elements of the song, and sets the haunting, atmospheric tone for the rest of the track.
6. How did the video for “Evil” come about?
The video for “Evil” was directed by Charlie White, who had previously worked with Interpol on the video for their song “Obstacle 1.” The band gave White artistic freedom to create a video that would complement the song’s ominous tone.
7. What is the structure of “Evil”?
“Evil” follows a simple verse-chorus-verse structure, with an extended instrumental section in the middle of the song.
8. How does “Evil” fit into Interpol’s discography?
“Evil” is widely regarded as one of Interpol’s signature songs, and is often cited as a highlight of their discography.
9. Who are some other bands that sound like Interpol?
Interpol is often associated with other post-punk revival bands like The Strokes, Editors, and White Lies.
10. What emotions does “Evil” evoke?
“Evil” creates a brooding, ominous atmosphere that conveys a sense of isolation, despair, and unease.
11. Is “Evil” a good song to play at a party?
While “Evil” might not be the most upbeat or danceable track in Interpol’s discography, its haunting, atmospheric sound could add an interesting contrast to a party playlist.
12. What impact has “Evil” had on popular culture?
“Evil” has been cited as a defining song of the post-punk revival era, and has been featured in numerous television shows and movies, cementing its place in popular culture.
