Where Evil Grows

Song Meaning

The narrator is drawn to someone despite warnings, only to find themselves corrupted by that association. Initially, the attraction is physical and visually pleasing: "I like the way you smile at me," and "what I saw I liked to see." This initial fascination, however, blinds the narrator to a pre-existing danger, a place where "evil grew" that they were unaware of. The core tension arises from the irresistible pull towards this person, even when advised to "keep clear." The narrator acknowledges a foreboding intuition, a sense that they "should have steered away," yet an unknown force "drew me near." This internal conflict between caution and compulsion sets the stage for the song's darker revelation. The lyrics powerfully illustrate that evil isn't just an external force but can reside "in people's minds" and grow internally. The repeated phrase "I never knew where evil grew" evolves into the chilling realization that "every time I look at you, evil grows in me." This suggests a parasitic or contagious nature to the "evil," infecting the narrator through proximity and observation. This transformation is particularly effective because it's framed as an internal, almost involuntary process. The narrator's inability to "build a wall" or "kill the will within you" highlights a loss of control. The song captures the unsettling experience of recognizing a negative influence taking root within oneself, a consequence of engaging with what was initially perceived as attractive but ultimately destructive.