Song Meaning
The lyrics paint a chilling portrait of Angel Blake, a figure who exists on the fringes of reality, tied to a desolate lake and a sinister transformation. The opening lines establish a sense of unease, with Angel being thrown into the water only to float unnaturally, like a snake. This unsettling image immediately signals that Angel is not a typical character, hinting at a supernatural or malevolent nature that extends beyond the physical realm, eventually invading the minds of children.
Angel's true purpose seems to be a dark ritual, suggested by the collection of "the devil's skin" and the girls' complicity in preparing a "beastly thing." The phrase "doll of sin" implies a grotesque creation, built from "brackish parts," further emphasizing the corrupted and unnatural essence of Angel's work. This suggests a narrative of innocence corrupted, with Angel Blake acting as a catalyst for a disturbing, perhaps ritualistic, act.
The recurring image of Angel by the lake, coupled with the description of a "tender face, face without a soul," reinforces the duality of Angel's appearance and nature. The "witching hour" and "thirteen angel calls" evoke a sense of impending doom and supernatural power. The lyrics suggest Angel Blake is a harbinger, a spectral entity whose influence grows through a disturbing, almost cult-like devotion from the girls involved, culminating in a terrifying, soul-less presence.