Fire of the Mind
Coil Lyrics

The lyrics of Coil's song "Fire of the Mind" seem to be exploring themes of death and the nature of existence. The repeated question of "Does death come alone or with eager reinforcements?" suggests a contemplation on the possibility of death coming unannounced or being surrounded by other deaths, either literally or metaphorically. The following lines build upon this feeling of uncertainty, followed by the assertion that death is "centrifugal" - suggesting an outward force or motion. This is paired with the descriptions of angels as "mathematical" and "bestial," which juxtaposes the religious connotations of angels with something primal and instinctual. These lines evoke a sense of confusion around the nature of death and what comes after it.

The last stanza of the song repeats the phrase "The blacker the sun / The darker the dawn," which carries with it a sense of impending doom or a sense of an ending. This is further emphasized by the line "Flashes from the axis / On the hummingway to the stars," which paints an image of a journey towards an unknown end, full of flashes of light and sound. The repetition of "holy holy" also adds to the feeling of transcendence and a search for meaning in the face of the unknown.

Overall, the lyrics of "Fire of the Mind" are abstract and somewhat cryptic, inviting interpretation and reflection on concepts of death, existence, and spirituality.