The lyrics of Roky Erickson’s “Night of the Vampire” speak of the titular creature roaming the land on a particular night, a night of dreadful anticipation. It is a warning to the living to beware, especially when running in the rain, lest they slip and fall in blood that will soon be spilled. The lyrics describe the vampire as having eyes that can be seen in the darkness, but with no recognizable form. At his Transylvanian castle, he was born on Saint Swithin’s day, and maidens would surely fall prey to his bite. In essence, the song is a tale of horror, describing the night of the vampire, his powers, and the danger he represents to humanity.

The lyrics of this song have been interpreted in many ways, but the central theme is the danger represented to humans by the vampire. The lyrics evoke a sense of terror and danger, and with his haunting vocals, Erickson takes us deep into the world of the undead. The lyrics use imagery and metaphors to paint a picture of evil, describing how the vampire comes out only when the moon is bright and never sleeps during the night. These lyrics, combined with the eerie instrumental support, create an atmosphere of dread, drawing the listener deeper into the dark world of supernatural horror.