Song meaning of Inerrant Infallible / Black Ships at Nineveh and Edom by Current 93

The lyrics of "Inerrant Infallible / Black Ships at Nineveh and Edom" by Current 93 convey a sense of confusion, disillusionment, and questioning of religious and spiritual beliefs. The song begins with the singer questioning the infallibility of the Bible, suggesting that its structure may not be as perfect as believed. The mention of artificial dogs and metronomic liars introduces the theme of deception and artificiality that pervades the lyrics.

The lyrics then delve into themes of death, salvation, and the insignificance of worldly matters. The references to killers disguised as flies, the falseness of rainbows, and Cain culled the world with his butcher's knife allude to the destructive nature of humanity and the transient nature of earthly power and dominance. The singer seems to question the importance of historical cities like Nineveh and Edom, suggesting that their downfall may not matter in the grand scheme of things.

The second section of the song explores themes of transformation, rebirth, and the absurdity of existence. The imagery of souls growing off twigs, the burning of the peg fairy's blood, and the mental bird flying allude to a sense of spiritual growth, destruction, and renewal. The lyrics also allude to political figures and historical events, such as Pol Pot, the Tower of Babel, and the Toronto blessing, further emphasizing the chaotic and unpredictable nature of human existence.

The final section brings together images of destruction, creation, and the quest for meaning. The mention of ships passing by and the singer closing their eyes to die suggests a desire to escape the turmoil of the world. The rebuilding of Atlantis or Mu and the re-emergence of the Tower of Babel symbolize the cyclical nature of civilizations and the fleeting nature of human achievements. The imagery of black ships ruling over the new world suggests a sense of impending doom or a powerful force orchestrating events.

Overall, the lyrics of "Inerrant Infallible / Black Ships at Nineveh and Edom" evoke a sense of existential angst and a questioning of established beliefs and structures. The song explores themes of deception, disillusionment, mortality, and the search for meaning in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty.