Meaning and Lyrics of Evil by Interpol

Song Lyrics meaning of Evil by Interpol

About Interpol

Interpol burst onto the New York City post-punk revival scene in the early 2000s, quickly becoming one of the most influential indie rock bands of their generation. Formed in 1997, the band consists of Paul Banks (vocals, rhythm guitar), Daniel Kessler (lead guitar), and Sam Fogarino (drums).

Their 2002 debut album, “Turn On the Bright Lights,” garnered critical acclaim and established their signature sound: dark, atmospheric rock with intricate guitar work and Banks’ distinctive baritone vocals. The album’s brooding intensity and angular melodies drew comparisons to post-punk legends like Joy Division.

Interpol’s follow-up, “Antics” (2004), further solidified their status in the indie rock pantheon. The album featured the hit single “Evil,” a haunting track that showcases the band’s ability to blend catchy hooks with moody undertones.

Over the years, Interpol has continued to evolve their sound while maintaining their core identity. Albums like “Our Love to Admire” (2007) and “El Pintor” (2014) saw the band experimenting with broader sonic palettes, while still delivering the brooding intensity fans have come to expect.

Despite lineup changes (notably the departure of bassist Carlos Dengler in 2010), Interpol has remained a vital force in alternative rock, influencing countless bands and continuing to captivate audiences with their dark, stylish brand of post-punk revival.

Meaning of Evil by Interpol

“Evil” by Interpol is a song with cryptic and introspective lyrics that invite various interpretations. The song seems to paint a picture of a complex and tumultuous relationship, with themes of longing, disillusionment, and emotional entanglement.

In the verses, the mention of “Rosemary” and “Heaven restores you in life” can be seen as a metaphor for a sense of purity or redemption that is being sought by the protagonist. The speaker seems to be grappling with personal struggles and the passage of time, navigating through challenges and uncertainties that life presents.

The imagery in the song, such as “the thought that moves you upwards” and “wiping pollen from faces,” evokes a sense of movement, change, and the desire for transformation. The references to smiling, aging, and facing fears suggest a deep introspection and a search for meaning amidst difficulties.

The chorus, with its repetition of “Sandy, why can’t we look the other way?” presents a plea for avoidance or escapism from confronting harsh realities or difficult emotions. The mention of being “weightless” and “exotic” could signify a desire for liberation or a departure from the mundane.

The pre-chorus lines emphasize the idea of being sensitive to fate and the concept of denial, suggesting a conflict between acceptance and avoidance of truth or consequences. The question, “But hey, who’s on trial?” could indicate a sense of questioning accountability or responsibility within the relationship dynamic.

The song’s final verse introduces elements of vulnerability and intimacy, with references to shards under the belly, sentimental jury, and holding tight. There is a sense of fragility and uncertainty in the speaker’s reflections on the nature of love and the transience of emotions.

Overall, “Evil” by Interpol explores themes of duality, introspection, emotional conflict, and the complexities of human relationships. The lyrics offer a glimpse into the psyche of the speaker as they navigate through personal struggles and seek solace or understanding in the midst of turmoil.

Lyrics of Evil by Interpol

Verse 1
Rosemary
Heaven restores you in life
You're coming with me
Through the aging, the fearing, the strife
It's the smiling on the package
It's the faces in the sand
It's the thought that moves you upwards
Embracing me with two hands
Right will take you places
Yeah, maybe to the beach
When your friends, they do come crying
Tell them now your pleasure's set upon slow release

Pre-Chorus
Hey, wait
Great smile
Sensitive to fate, not
Denial
But hey, who's on trial?

Chorus
It took a life span with no cell mate
The long way back
Sandy, why can't we look the other way?

Verse 2
He speaks about travel
Yeah, we think about the land
We smart like all peoples
Feeling real tan
I could take you places
Do you need a new man?
Wipe the pollen from the faces
Make revision to a dream while you wait in the van

Pre-Chorus
Hey, wait
Great smile
Sensitive to fate, not
Denial
But hey, who's on trial?

Chorus
It took a life span with no cell mate
By the long way back
Sandy, why can't we look the other way?
You're weightless, you are exotic
You need something for which to care
Sandy, why can't we look the other way?

Verse 3
Leave some shards under the belly
Lay some grease inside my hand
It's a sentimental jury
And the makings of a good plan
You've come to love me lightly
Yeah, you come to hold me tight
Is this motion everlasting
Or do shudders pass in the night?
Rosemary
Oh, heaven restores you in life

Chorus
I spent a life span with no cell mate
The long way back
Sandy, why can't we look the other way?
You're weightless, semi-erotic
You need someone to take you there
Sandy, why can't we look the other way?
Why can't we just play the other game?
Why can't we just look the other way?

Discography Interpol

The Other Side Of Make-Believe

Release: 2022-07-15
Label: Matador
Popularity: 👏👏
1. Toni
2. Fables
3. Into the Night
4. Mr. Credit
5. Something Changed
6. Renegade Hearts
7. Passenger
8. Greenwich
9. Gran Hotel
10. Big Shot City
11. Go Easy (Palermo)
Tracklist Collapse

Marauder

Release: 2018-08-24
Label: Matador
Popularity: 👏👏
1. If You Really Love Nothing
2. The Rover
3. Complications
4. Flight of Fancy
5. Stay In Touch
6. Interlude 1
7. Mountain Child
8. NYSMAW
9. Surveillance
10. Number 10
11. Party’s Over
12. Interlude 2
13. It Probably Matters
Tracklist Collapse

El Pintor

Release: 2014-09-09
Label: Matador
Popularity: 👏👏
1. All the Rage Back Home
2. My Desire
3. Anywhere
4. Same Town, New Story
5. My Blue Supreme
6. Everything Is Wrong
7. Breaker 1
8. Ancient Ways
9. Tidal Wave
10. Twice as Hard
Tracklist Collapse

Upcoming Events for Interpol

Interpol With Special Guest: The Walkmen

Price Range: $39.5 – 99.5
Date: 2024-11-23
Location: Kia Forum

The Smashing Pumpkins - The World Is A Vampire 2024 | VIP Packages

Price Range: $230 – 464
Date: 2024-06-29
Location: Rotterdam Ahoy

The Smashing Pumpkins - The World Is A Vampire 2024 | VIP Packages

Price Range: $59 – 190
Date: 2024-06-29
Location: Rotterdam Ahoy
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The Other Side Of Make-Believe

Release: 2022-07-15
Label: Matador
Popularity: 👏👏
1. Toni
2. Fables
3. Into the Night
4. Mr. Credit
5. Something Changed
6. Renegade Hearts
7. Passenger
8. Greenwich
9. Gran Hotel
10. Big Shot City
11. Go Easy (Palermo)
Tracklist Collapse

Marauder

Release: 2018-08-24
Label: Matador
Popularity: 👏👏
1. If You Really Love Nothing
2. The Rover
3. Complications
4. Flight of Fancy
5. Stay In Touch
6. Interlude 1
7. Mountain Child
8. NYSMAW
9. Surveillance
10. Number 10
11. Party’s Over
12. Interlude 2
13. It Probably Matters
Tracklist Collapse

El Pintor

Release: 2014-09-09
Label: Matador
Popularity: 👏👏
1. All the Rage Back Home
2. My Desire
3. Anywhere
4. Same Town, New Story
5. My Blue Supreme
6. Everything Is Wrong
7. Breaker 1
8. Ancient Ways
9. Tidal Wave
10. Twice as Hard
Tracklist Collapse
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