"Temptation" by Cradle of Filth is one of a plethora of their songs I love. Though not my very favorite, its message, or maybe it's just an observation really, is clear, spot on and ironically a bit tempting to love.
Temptation appears as human weakness, but also defines us. The song describes a temptation, or at least one worth giving into it, as 'an offer that cannot be ignored.' Yes, the benefits of the temptations must outweigh the cons, else no profit is made. But, a temptation is generally thought of as a bad thing, despite the fact that more benefits are made than taken away. Temptation seems to have a connotation of being wrong, immoral. And the benefits reaped typically are due to some immorality. Thus, the benefits only outweigh the cons if the perpetrator does not mind the immorality. The greatest decision is between indulging in what appears to be irresistible or ignoring the urge for sake of a clean conscience.
The song illustrates a temptation as causing the tempted to 'keep climbing higher and higher' in their desire. This escalating desire is the ultimate theme of the song. The power that it retains over us is overwhelming, and the song seems to make it fascinating. It does not portray a message that advocates turning away from the temptation or trying to get rid of it. Rather, it simply presents a temptation as something worth giving into if and only if the benefits are more than than the negative consequences, despite any moral issue. It's all too tempting to think this way.
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Hmmm. That's an interesting take. I would argue indulging in temptations--at least certain temptations--involve more than merely dealing with a guilty conscience. For example, I'm feeling pretty guilty about eating that piece of chocolate cake I just woofed down, but I hurt only myself, thickening my belly roll that's cropped up this summer. But, say I'm tempted to ram my car into the bumper of that little Fiat that just stole my parking lot at Wal-Mart. Now, my succumbing to temptation goes beyond self-harm.
ReplyDeleteStill, it is an interesting song.
Indeed, indeed. Giving in to a temptation like eating cake does result in the con of excessive calorie consumption, however, the song is saying the temptation should be given in to if the benefits outweigh the cons. So, if you think the taste of the cake is worth the calories, go ahead and indulge yourself without considering whether is is immoral for you to be gluttunous(sp??).
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