The song "Magma Arrives" by John Grant tells a story about a hero who is living a luxurious life in his chambers, enjoying the comfort of a water bed. However, there is a sense of impending doom as the lyrics suggest that he will soon regret his current state and wish for death. The mention of the monkey's paw alludes to a famous supernatural suspense story where a cursed monkey's paw grants its owner three wishes, but each wish comes with devastating consequences. The song implies that the hero's impending fate will be far worse than that of the monkey's paw, promising that he will never experience happiness again. The arrival of "Magma" signifies a turning point in the story. Magma is described as having fire in his eyes, and he brings with him a deep sense of shame that penetrates the hero's veins. This shame affects the hero's sleep and has a profound impact on numerous destinies and lives. The lyrics suggest that the hero will face severe consequences for his actions and will be unable to hide anything. There is a sense of inevitability and no chance for redemption as he will pay for his wrongdoings. The song ends with a question, implying that the name of the entity responsible for bringing this shame and suffering upon the hero remains unknown. Overall, "Magma Arrives" explores themes of regret, consequence, and the inescapable repercussions of one's actions. It paints a dark and ominous picture of a hero's downfall, with a powerful presence symbolized by Magma ultimately bringing about his demise.
