The song "Angel of Death" by John Cale and Bob Neuwirth is a haunting and mysterious composition. It portrays the theme and imagery of death personified as an angel. The lyrics suggest that the angel is constantly present and calling out to the narrator. The opening lines, "Sushi for Shabu. You keep calling me. You keep calling me," create an enigmatic atmosphere and symbolize the narrator's encounters with death. The repetition of the phrase emphasizes the persistence and inevitability of death's presence. The chorus further delves into the characterization of the angel of death. It describes the allure and beauty of the angel, with lines such as "I have held the flutter of your seductive wings" and "Emerging from your deadly silver tune." These images evoke a sense of fascination and danger. The lyrics also touch upon the angel's activities and the impact it has on people's lives. Lines like "I have seen you counting on shadows" and "Reflections of disaster the morning after" suggest that death brings destruction and darkness. The angel is portrayed as a patient observer, waiting for its moment to strike. The overall meaning of the song remains abstract, leaving much open to interpretation. It could be seen as a reflection on mortality, the inevitability of death, and how it influences our lives. The lyrics create a sense of both fear and a strange fascination toward death, as if it holds a certain power over us. "Angel of Death" is an evocative and poetic song that explores the themes of mortality and the enigmatic presence of death. Its haunting melody and atmospheric lyrics leave the listener with a sense of mystery and contemplation.
