Ghost – “Ritual” Lyrics Meaning

Photo of author
Written By Joanna Landrum

Joanna holds a BSc in English Literature and uses her expertise in literary analysis to uncover the deeper meaning of her favorite songs.

This track isn’t about love or heartbreak. It’s a chilling narrative of occult practices and diabolical summonings. The songwriters here paint a picture of ancient rituals, invoking a sense of unease and mystery. It’s about a concept – the dark side of human fascination with the occult and the unknown. The lyrics seem to be a deliberate choice to explore themes of the supernatural, perhaps as a commentary on the darker aspects of human nature or as an artistic expression of the macabre.

Ever wondered what a musical journey into the occult would feel like? “Ritual” by Ghost offers just that – a chilling, mysterious dive into the unknown. It’s more than just a song; it’s an experience.


“Ritual” Lyrics Meaning

“Tonight we’re summoned for a divine cause…” – this opening line sets a haunting tone for the entire song. Ghost isn’t just making music; they’re crafting a narrative that feels like an ancient, forbidden ritual. The song speaks of remembrance, but not in the way we typically understand. It’s about recalling a past that’s steeped in darkness and mystery.

The lyrics take us through a “chapel of ritual,” filled with the scents of “dead human sacrifices.” It’s vivid and visceral, painting a picture of a scene that’s both horrifying and strangely intriguing. This isn’t just storytelling; it’s an immersive experience into a world that most of us have never, and will never, encounter in real life.

“Beduins and nomads, carried through the times, through pestilences and famines…” Here, the songwriters are connecting the ritual to a broader historical context. It’s not just a moment in time; it’s a tradition, something passed down through generations, surviving through the hardest of times.

The most chilling part comes with the lines, “Our fallen angel vexed, was banished from the sky, recite now from the text, pray for ALL to die.” It’s clear now. This ritual isn’t just about summoning; it’s a calling for an end, a destruction that’s both desired and feared.

The repeated references to the “chapel of ritual” and the “smells of dead human sacrifices” serve to reinforce the atmosphere. The songwriters are not just telling a story; they’re creating an environment, a space that the listener can almost see, smell, and feel.

The song concludes with a dark invocation, a calling to the “unholy fiend,” and a celebration of “The End.” It’s a fitting end to a song that is as much a journey as it is a piece of music.

The Story Behind “Ritual”

The band, known for their theatricality and mysterious persona, seems to have a fascination with the darker side of spirituality. The song feels like a reflection of this fascination, a way to express an interest in what lies beyond the known, the safe.

“Ritual” could be seen as a commentary on human nature’s fascination with the dark, the forbidden. It’s not just about the occult practices it describes; it’s about our reaction to them, our hidden desires to explore what we don’t understand, what scares us.

The state of mind of the writers seems to be one of exploration and perhaps a bit of rebellion. By choosing such dark and complex themes, they’re stepping away from the norm, challenging their listeners to step into a world that’s often shunned and feared.

In the end, “Ritual” is more than just a song. It’s a statement, a piece of art that challenges us to confront our fears, our fascinations, and perhaps, our own hidden desires.