Song Meaning
The lyrics paint a stark picture of an internal, primal force taking human shape, a "Human Serpent" driven by a craving for "human flesh." This entity is described as a "rigid reptile" trapped within a human form, suggesting a fundamental disconnect between its true nature and its outward appearance. The initial lines establish a sense of unease and unnatural transformation, hinting at a parasitic or predatory existence.
The core tension revolves around a forced existence, a "vicious way of living" dictated by external pressures. The phrase "Force fed we swallow" implies a lack of agency, a passive consumption of something unpleasant or harmful, leading to an "initiation to an eerie convention." This convention seems to involve "unfaithful" feelings and an inability to acknowledge or adapt to the imposed reality, creating a cycle of internal conflict.
The writing crafts a potent metaphor for the struggle against base instincts or societal pressures. The "Human Serpent" embodies a destructive, materialistic drive that redefines meaning and leads to an "infestation." The contrast between "faith" and shattering destruction, where "blood gives a warm flow," highlights a grim acceptance of violence and loss. The repeated refrain, "Until we die / Force fed we swallow / A vicious way of living," underscores the inescapable nature of this struggle and the bleak outlook.
Ultimately, these lyrics resonate through their depiction of an internal battle against a consuming, perhaps materialistic or instinctual, force. The imagery of the coiled serpent within a human form, coupled with the sense of being "force fed," creates a visceral feeling of being trapped and corrupted. The concluding lines about "venomous serpentine and evil" and ego being contained by "outdated seals" suggest a final surrender to this darker nature, a grim acknowledgment of its victory.