The Ritual
Vane Lyrics

"The Ritual" by Vane is a song that delves into the world of voodoo and the summoning of dark forces. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a ritualistic ceremony where the dead are called upon for their power and assistance. The song explores themes of sacrifice, transformation, and the consequences of dabbling in the supernatural.

The opening lines, "Time to feed the dead. Now bring forth the doll, Bestow to the Loa what is due" suggest that the ritual is about offering something to the spirits or deities, in this case, a doll representing a person. The singer claims that they will break the target's soul into pieces and make them meet the entities they serve. This line hints at a threatening and malevolent intention, emphasizing the dominance and power the singer holds over their victim.

The reference to crawling in one's own feces implies humiliation and degradation, symbolizing the complete subjugation of the target to the singer's will. The mention of the eyes of doom in the barrel suggests that the target is doomed and cannot escape the impending consequences of the ritual. The snake alluding to the Loa, a spirit in voodoo belief, indicates that the target's mind will be influenced and manipulated, possibly even before the ritual is complete.

"Damballah" is a reference to a serpent Loa in voodoo, and the repeated plea to bring pain suggests that the singer wishes harm upon their target. The line, "This gal will never, never be the same!" reinforces the belief that the ritual will have a profound and irreversible impact on the person being targeted. It implies a sense of irreversible transformation or destruction that will forever alter their life.

As the ritual progresses, the thick cloud of incense and the call for the target to breathe and feel the bind suggest a suffocating and restraining effect, symbolizing the increasing control and manipulation over the target's existence. The reference to Obeah, a form of sorcery or witchcraft in the Caribbean, indicates that the target was created or influenced by these mystic forces, setting them on a predetermined path of darkness.

The repeated invocation of "Oh damballah!" and the call to the Obeahman, who is believed to possess supernatural abilities, further solidify the dark intent of the ritual. The anticipation that the target is on their way suggests that the singer believes in the inevitability of their prey's fate, emphasizing the helplessness and vulnerability of the victim.

Overall, "The Ritual" by Vane is a song that delves into the realm of voodoo and the summoning of dark forces. It explores themes of sacrifice, manipulation, and the irreversible consequences of crossing into the supernatural realm. The lyrics create a haunting and ominous atmosphere, painting a vivid picture of a ritualistic ceremony that holds the power to forever alter an individual's life.