The song 'Descending Angel' by Misfits unfolds a narrative about angelic beings who have fallen from heaven to earth, where they exist among humans. It speaks to themes of salvation, existential struggle, and companionship in the face of darkness. The chorus presents a call for an angel to stand by the side of the narrator to confront the challenges of the night and guard against the forces of Hell. The overall tone suggests a blend of the supernatural with a desperate cry for help in a seemingly forsaken world.
The emotional journey within 'Descending Angel' commences with a sense of awe and trepidation as these heavenly entities fall to Earth. There is a palpable tension as they attempt to cloak their divinity within the imperfections of mortal life. In the shadows of human existence, they struggle to suppress their inherent powers which threaten to burst forth. The Misfits poetically narrate this descent, conjuring images of an apocalyptic scenario where angels are solitary warriors in a world void of divine guidance.
As the song progresses to the chorus, there's a shift toward a plea for solidarity and protection. The narrator implores the descending angel to stand by their side, facing the daunting night together. This represents a universal yearning for alliance when grappling with the unknown terrors that lie in wait. The repeated invocation suggests an incantation or prayer, seeking to invoke the angelic presence as both a guardian and a companion in the impending darkness.
This journey evolves into a resistance against inevitability. The Misfits articulate a last stand against the encroaching night, the final act of defiance by the rebel angels before their possible end. The narrative engenders a poignant blend of courage and despair as the angels, now turned rebels by their fall, gird themselves for one more act of resistance. The notion that 'forever ends tonight' serves as both a threat and a promise, highlighting the transient nature of life, rebellion, and perhaps even eternity.
The song concludes with repetition and emphasis on the 'descending angel' and 'little rebel angel.' This repetition serves to both assert the identity and state of the angels and to deepen the emotional resonance of the song. The mood is celebratory, rebellious, and tragic all at once, as we imagine these once divine beings now earthbound and confronting their fate. The Misfits wrap this somber mythological tale with an outpouring of raw emotion, honoring both the rebel spirit and the inevitable descent that comes with rebellion and transgression.
"Torn from the heavens, they fall from the sky"
An allusion to the fall of the angels from Heaven, which often symbolizes a loss of innocence or purity, and introduces the central theme of the song.
"Mortal life is weak, can't hold back the demons"
This line reflects a nihilistic view of human fragility and the constant struggle against darker forces within or beyond.
"The blood pours as rain and soon you'll be alone"
A metaphor for the overwhelming and isolating nature of the battles faced by the falling angels, evoking a sense of impending doom.
"(Whoa-oh) Guard the gates of Hell"
Possibly a reference to the angelic role of protecting the mortal realm from the evils of Hell, highlighting the guardianship attributed to these celestial beings.