The meaning and story behind Electric Wizard's song "Saturnine" revolves around themes of darkness, despair, and the desire for escape. The lyrics depict a person who is trapped in a cycle of darkness and regrets, with a black sun rising every day symbolizing their constant struggle. Shadows crossing their path suggest a constant reminder to change their ways and find redemption. The line "Look up to the sky, tomorrow'll soon be here then time to die" implies a looming sense of mortality and the need for drastic change before it's too late. The protagonist hears the death bell tolling, indicating that their life is slowly slipping away with each strike, and their mistakes are leading them closer to an early grave. They are aware that it is too late for salvation or being saved from their grim fate. The word "Saturnine" itself refers to a melancholic or gloomy temperament, which is reflected in the song's somber tone and lyrics. The protagonist is stuck in this mindset and cannot find a way to break free or find happiness. They embrace this saturnine nature and turn to drugs, as indicated by the line "load another hit of weed," as a means of temporary escape from their bleak reality. The song also touches upon themes of occultism and the desire for supernatural intervention. The protagonist seeks solace and assistance from the "black arts" to bring back someone who holds significant importance to them, their "priestess of mars." This act is a desperate attempt to find freedom and happiness, suggesting that the protagonist's yearning for escape goes beyond their own personal struggles. Overall, "Saturnine" portrays a deeply melancholic and despairing state of mind, as well as the search for redemption and release from the darkness that engulfs the protagonist's life.
