Sleep Token - NAZARETH Will Make You EAT THE TAPE From The Bathroom Mirror

Metal scholars, this is one of the toughest songs to delve into. Hermetic, cryptic, enigmatic, unsettling. However, it's also a cinematic depiction with amazing lyrics, melodies, arrangements. I've tried to delve into the universe of "Nazareth", following similar patterns I did on "Calcutta". The title is a pointer, a way for us to hear echoes of the past. To welcome stories that already happened but we are culturally and organically linked to them anyway, we behave similarly, we share so much with what's happened and what will happen in the future. It is all connected. Life is great and life is dark and this song will contemplate that. I hope you like it! Please let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
#sleeptoken #nazareth #lyricsbreakdown
Sleep Token - NAZARETH Will Make You EAT THE TAPE From The Bathroom Mirror
Lyrics
And I'll see you when the wrath comes
Knocking on your bedroom door with money
Building you a kingdom
Dripping from the open mouth, I'll show you
What you look like, from the inside
And I'll see you when the wrath comes around
Tonight, tonight, tonight you have the answer
Tonight, tonight, tonight you have the answer
Let's load the gun
Make her eat the tape in the bathroom mirror
See if she can guess what
A hollow point does to a naked body
Let's fuck her up
Manifest pain at the core of pleasure
I'll see you when the wrath comes around
Tonight, tonight, tonight you have the answer
Tonight, tonight, tonight you have the answer
Oh, let's load the gun
(I won't be missing you
I won't be missing you)
Oh, let's load the gun
(I won't be missing you
I won't be missing you)
Oh, let's load the gun
(I won't be missing you
I won't be missing you)
Oh, let's load the gun
(See you when the wrath comes
See you when the wrath comes)
(I won't be missing you
I won't be missing you)
Oh, let's load the gun
(See you when the wrath comes
I won't be missing you)
sleep token nazareth,sleep token nazareth live,sleep token nazareth reaction,sleep token two vinyl,sleep token two spotify,sleep token reaction,sleep token lyrics,sleep token analysis,sleep token nazareth meaning,eat the tape from the bathroom mirror,sleep token nazareth vessel,nazareth song meaning,sleep token lyrics breakdown,Sleep Token - NAZARETH Will Make You EAT THE TAPE From The Bathroom Mirror,sleep token tiktok,sleep token instagram,sleep,nazareth,live

[@RespiteofChampions]

It's commonly theorized within the Sleep Token community that the whole first EP is about a relationship/break up gone totally sour, and then this second EP is basically the birth of Vessel as a being. Calcutta was Vessel becoming Vessel, and Nazareth is essentially possibly depicting an action or a ritual the man had to enact in order to fully become the Vessel for Sleep, the deity worshipped by Sleep Token, AKA: a Token for Sleep. And Jericho coming after Nazareth is sort of a call to arms for the worshippers of Sleep to gather and create this following

[@LoveLeigh313]

But the thread the needle video literally depicts the birth of vessel 🤔

[@sararoszkowski2915]

One of my favorite songs from Sleep Token. Its haunting

[@alextamulis]

Absolutely, Sara! It's unsettling, unnerving and yet magical

[@davidjohnson9132]

It’s dark af. He’s murdering a prostitute I think.

[@francesconava6001]

What if Vessel, since Sleep didn't believe his full devotion to them at first, wanted to prove it by torturing and inflicting pain to his former lover (Eden)? "Let's load the gun", "I'll show you what you look like from the inside", "See if she can guess what a hollow point does to a naked body", "Let's fuck her up". Vessel probably shoots Eden to prove his allegiance, he tells Eden that he "won't be missing her" to show Sleep he's serious. The mirror is not a metaphor at all, he literally ties her up in tape to hurt her. The djent ending makes me think of Vessel performing the act. Maybe he even kills her, since he'll "see her when the wrath comes", but we don't know for sure who this sentence is addressed to. Deeply dark theory, but perfectly fits into "Two", which is the consolidation of the beginning of the toxic relationship between Vessel and Sleep, which is endure until "Take Me Back to Eden", in which album Vessel finally realises that this new relationship is corrupted and learns to let them go. He ascends in "Ascensionism" and becomes a better man(?), someone new, and finally lets go in "Euclid". I don't think Vessel is comparable to Jesus (He doesn't just "load guns" lol), instead, as you said in the "Calcutta" video, the song names probably refer to worship sites, since worshipping Sleep is the core of Sleep Token's lore, as the very name suggests. Btw, nice videos and keep it up! WORSHIP.

[@earthscorcher]

Love this. It amazes me how vessel has been able to write lyrics and music that are so ambiguous, yet so impactful. The intentional subjectivity is genius.

[@alextamulis]

It's one of my favorites from ST, Raea. The dichotomies and the paradoxical aspect is inebriating. Thanks again for commenting, please come back for more videos. :)

[@klopf8]

You've managed to put in words why this is the most captivating song from ST, imo. I had the fortune to know ST by this song, lyrics aside, the instrumental and Vessel singing here are outstanding, and the drop, oh my Sleep that drop made me instantly fall for them. I find Nazareth quite unlikely to ever fall from first position in my podium.

[@alextamulis]

Thank you for letting me know, Fenix! I do feel that Nazareth is a special song and something that will never be replicated, that makes it even more special. I hope I can keep creating videos that catch your attention. Thanks again!

[@stevieRae04]

This song is haunting. I love it. You can dive into it and be part of it. When I listen to it, it’s like meditating.

[@sorrowsmuse]

If we go back that interview, where Vessel essentially says this deity promised him rewards/validation for servitude, and again that idea of “when the bough breaks” maybe being about asking a partner to embark on a new journey, I think this song makes more sense. I initially perceived the violence discussed as self-inflicted, but also an act of punishment toward the “her” in question. Fuck her up by making her witness this traumatic self-sacrifice. But maybe it’s sacrificing her metaphorically. Like, if you won’t join me down this new path, you get nothing more from me, bc I believe this is the path to glory.

[@sorrowsmuse]

I do really appreciate the note you made about the mirror being the way we view a mask, bc when we look in the mirror we see ourselves completely differently than we look to everyone else. We’re inverted.

[@alextamulis]

Hey Sorrowsmuse, your analysis is very interesting. I was able to come up with a narrative in my head and to picture a movie-like journey. Thank you so much for sharing! Your take on the mirror is very much like psychoanalysis. Superb work, my friend!

[@void5844]

This was an amazing analysis I 100% agree with you this has just made me love the song so much more than I already did :D

[@SleepTokenLuke]

Nazareth really sticks out from pretty much all the other songs when it comes to lyrical content. That's also why I'm always interested in hearing peoples take on it, since people's perception of it varies so much. Personally I view very little of the things he says as literal. I believe the thrills, drugs and brutality are metaphores describing aspects of a romantic relationship ending. The video also shows a strong parallel between light / darkness, beauty / ugly. Perhaps a suggestion of the difference between the external and internal aspects of both himself and his partner. Good work on the video! Keep it up 🙏

[@alextamulis]

I hear you, Luke! The juxstaposition of concepts, the imagery, the cinematic quality of the lyrics... indeed some fodder for thought here! And your theory on the music video is ingenious, I loved it! Thank you for stopping by, talk to you soon!

[@stevieRae04]

I’m glad I found you. I have been going back an forth with ppl about some of the meanings of their songs. They always seem to forget that they are centered around this deity. Sleep is at the center of Vessels thoughts. When he writes he isn’t simply thinking of worldly things like his worldly relationships. Yes, those are in there but the main thought is of Sleep

[@afuzzipanda79]

I really enjoy your breakdowns of the lyrics. My sister and I discuss and analyze each songs meaning. There are so many ways to interpret them. I wonder if one day we will get the meanings directly from Vessel/ Sleep Token. I'm a lover of all things music but Sleep Token has me completely invested in thier entire catalog. Down the Sleep Token rabbit hole.

[@dalerjh]

Hello again Alex. This is sensational stuff. I really don't know where to start with trying to interpret this and I'd admire your bravery in attempting to do so. It's really difficult to apply to the Lore. The title 'Nazareth' is clearly key, as is the repeated use of the word 'wrath' in the lyrics, which is emphasized by the disturbing lyrical content. I suspect I'm not alone in not wanting to take the disturbing lyrics literally. It feels like there's an element of judgement and self-reflection. Musically it's on a different plain. So hauntingly beautiful, it really pulls you in. This was the first Sleep Token song I ever heard, and I am now fully immersed. It goes without saying that I am really looking forward to your take on 'Jericho'. W O R S H I P

[@alextamulis]

Hey Dale, I like this ingenious combination of a pun, Naza-wrath. The lyrics are indeed disturbing, even if it's just metaphorically or not. However, it is a cinematic way to portray wrath and how that could be musically achieved, mixing various subconscious actions, emulating a psychedelic dream or nightmare, maybe. Thank you so much for your support, it means a lot!

[@rad1antgg853]

If you watched it till the end. You MUST press like 👍🏻 This guy made all this work for so lo amount of people. Put so much effort. Not for views and money. For you guys

[@alextamulis]

Thank you, Rad1ant! I do it for the pleasure of exchanging ideas and to find people out there who are also passionate about songs as stories, about the power of using words to create images in the theater of the mind. Thanks again for the support!

[@moonbaby7963]

This entire song is what caught my attention to find this video; really needed to hear someone break this down piece by piece. Also, a hollow point does the same thing to a clothed body compared to a naked one. That lyric was what piqued my interest in how in the hell, lol.

[@DynastyInferno]

Sleep Token got me back into my theological history again and I discovered much of the same that you did. I ended up going back to church after so much reading that Sleep Token triggered. Thanks, Sleep Token. Death is definitely not the end. They took me back to Eden. 🙏♥️

[@alextamulis]

I'm glad to hear it, I wish you all the best, Dynasty :)

[@loribickford6685]

So I believe that all three songs from Two are dreams and this one is about renewing yourself. The word Nazareth means branch or shoot, sometimes when a tree is chopped down, a shoot will grow from the stump, allowing a new tree to spring up where the old one has died. The words are a metaphor for killing off the old self to become something new. I don't believe it is about actual violence at all but change is very difficult for people so in order to do it we might have to force ourselves and it feels like an actual violent act and the " make her eat the tape " is as you said shutting up the voices in your head that are afraid of change and the " hollow point does to a naked body" is the way we feel so raw and vulnerable ( naked ) and change can feel like it is blowing up our lives ( hollow point does.) The " her " he is referring to may be someone that he is also trying to get to change so that they can be together. He is telling her that even though this is very scary and difficult that they will not miss their old selves and they will be together in this new kingdom. I do think that the fact that it is a dream lends to the more extreme nature as dreams are always more intense.

[@alextamulis]

Very interesting insights, Lori! I do believe one can take the route of proverbial wrath, the contemplation of violence, but one can also create various possibilities for metaphorical journeys of rebirth, or building a new kingdom, being chopped from the main tree that is your parent or lover or someone you have a strong bond and then learning to grow and to evolve on your own. Thanks again!

[@loribickford6685]

@@alextamulis Thanks, I know that my dreams have always been very violent and very much like this song, but the more that I have heard your thoughts on the music and did some more of my own research I feel like I agree with your interpretation more than mine. I originally thought that his songs were more ambiguous than literal but honestly I like the more literal as they are these beautiful and tragic stories rather than just emotional rants. I can't wait to hear more of your interpretations.

[@jessicar5748]

I’ve always felt it was a song where Addiction is personified and it’s written from their point of view- music is so subjective and that’s why I love it

[@alextamulis]

Hey Jesica, this is also a good way to create an interesting journey, also very psychedelic and full of possibilities. I also love the subjectivity of music, we can make it personal and learn so much from it. We come out as better individuals, or at least we live vicariously through the words someone else wrote. :)

[@davidwaynemain]

"Tangled up like branches in a flood" "I come as a blade" As a Christian I've NEVER felt anything like Vessel singing. I look for meaning but he doesn't leave the breadcrumbs in each song.

[@alextamulis]

Thank you so much for sharing your feelings and thoughts about Vessel's singing and the lyrical depth of Sleep Token's music, David. It’s truly special how their music resonates on such a deep and personal level. Vessel often weaves complex and layered meanings into the lyrics, which can sometimes feel like a journey of discovery. Each listener might find their own path through his words, and it's absolutely fine to experience them in your own unique way :)

[@Tarazed609]

This is very interesting! I really like Nazareth, the fact it is so ambiguous and strange makes it all the more intriguing.

[@alextamulis]

Always so intriguing... it's fascinating!

[@spooktoken]

I nearly cry when I hear this song because it sticks with me

[@chaz2130]

I really enjoyed listening to this take.

[@alextamulis]

Chaz, it means a lot to me, thanks a million!

[@pilarfernandez5621]

"Dies irae", el día de la ira en latín. Poema medieval que se cantaba en las misas y que hacía referencia al Juicio Final

[@Ctrl_BeaR]

I like the analogy of Jeckel & Hyde as a means to further explain the theory. Just a personal one from my side, not nearly as in depth as yours but related to the former statement - those lines at 8:39 could be the result of both "Vessel" and the man behind the mask; one statement with 2 DIFFERENT connotations depending on which perspective you view it from. Great video :)

[@rad1antgg853]

People should know about you! Worship!

[@alextamulis]

Thank you so much, rad1ant! :)

[@ellenwhite2973]

I interpret it at Sleep promises Vessel everything he wants (love, fame, musical talent) in return for his sacrifice and permission to possess him. This is the “wrath” that he sings and the fame is the money that Sleep gives to him. Sleep is the personification of everything someone wants while simultaneously being the greatest temptation. Vessel had his heart broken horridly, and he’s angry about it but also still has feelings for this lover. Sleep is eternally jealous and envious of Vessels longing for her so Sleep coaxes out that depraved anger and encourages him to violently murder her. The line “I’ll show you what you look like from the inside” isn’t sleep talking to Vessel, it’s Vessel speaking to his ex lover that Sleep has contorted his view of to be evil. There’s is a theme throughout all of Sleep Tokens songs involving deep rooted jealousy and Sleeps control over Vessel (“if you had a problem then you should told me before getting all aggressive and controlling” lines from the song Granite) There is strife between the two of them due to Vessels realization that while Sleep granted him glory, money, fame and fortune, it also possessed him to reach into parts of himself he doesn’t like. “Dark Signs” tells this narrative well when he’s talking about the signs that Sleep wasn’t what it said it was and he misses the man he was.

[@NijFix]

I think 'hollow point' is an analogue for his J0hnson.

[@androtaz2621]

Sleep Token by the way of Cormick McCarthy. Deeply disturbing and undeniably beautiful.

[@alextamulis]

Androtaz2621, McCarthy is one of my favorite authors! Thank you so much for commenting, all the best to you

[@brendachobanian567]

Like Digital Bath, it's sexy AF and it shouldn't be.

[@alextamulis]

they're both disturbing but in terms of art to shock/get people to reflect on various ways of life and idiosyncrasies, they're valuable and deep

[@SakiStargazer]

"Nothing good comes out of Nazareth" - is said in the bible and maybe we see this sentence with the money part in the beginning. Maybe the violence is also a bit of a view the way Jesus died on the cross and the whole procedure that let up to this and also the way Vessel has to sacrifice himself to serve. To serve someone can give you pleasure, so maybe the pleasure comes with the sacrifice. "I see you when the wrath comes" - I always understood this the way in the end, when the wrath comes that his sacrifice will be worth it. So like Jesus knew that him bearing the cross will result in the wrath one day, as he is th Lamb of God, Vessel has a different way before him. I myself am Christian, so I'm pretty much intrigued by those words, but also open-minded.

[@jamin4436]

I’ll save everyone fifteen minutes. Listen to Nazareth while watching Jaws MV with the sound off. Hit play at the same time.

[@BLeeFAFO]

🎵IAnd i'll see you when the wrath comes...🎶

[@alextamulis]

I'll be here waiting for you, Bisleman!

[@eilselp11]

This song kinda scared me away from ST for a bit... the song made me think... hostage situation... and other incredibly scary situations. Still impressive piece of work, but scared me.

[@alextamulis]

It's definitely scary, but since it's so different from everything else, it stands out as something that we could use to further understand the analogies that Sleep Token does in order for us to compare and project ideas and images towards relationships. The powerful image of "sacrificing a relationship" fits well in their canon.

[@WezBlu]

What do you think of their new masks then

[@eilselp11]

@WezBlu I think their masks represent a change in their direction, or representation to their body of work. ❤️🙂

[@ClintonOrtiz]

Just as Satan counterfeits Christ... this is about Satan and his people sacrificing.

[@thirdeyeblondabbyarrington1083]

What if the song is referring to the "idea" or idealism of seperation by religion all-together?

[@alextamulis]

It's a very cryptic story, I think it can be interpreted in many ways. Thank you for your comment!

[@thirdeyeblondabbyarrington1083]

@@alextamulis my pleasure 😁

[@R0mu1]

Hello!

[@alextamulis]

Hi R0mu1!

[@adriansmith6993]

I had to watch this twice to understand what you are saying. To me, maybe he doesn't like how well his ex is getting along after a break up, he's jealous, doesn't like it and plans on bringing the wrath to her. Her demise. That's what I hear in the lyrics, but what does that have to do with the meaning of Nazareth, a branch?

[@dalerjh]

Hello Adrian, Alex's previous videos on the 'One' EP explain the relevance of branches in Sleep Token's lyrics and message. They continue to feature; for example in 'The Love You Want' video and in the lyrics to 'Chokehold'.

[@adriansmith6993]

@@dalerjh Thank you, Dale. I will go back and watch Alex's videos again.

[@alextamulis]

Thank you so much Adrian and Dale for your contributions! The branch is always a continuation, but it needs to be chopped and placed again on earth to grow and to ramify. I believe this is linked to the idea of a child, or at least a new birth. Thanks again!

[@aevans148]

Do you have Lithuanian heritage? Just saw the flag in the background

[@alextamulis]

I do, my grandfather was born in Kaunas, Lithuania! What about you?

[@dosmatrix4470]

The origin and true meaning of the word Nazareth is not clear and in an issue of debate for centuries. The clearest explanation is given in a book titled Bloodline if the Holy Grail by Laurence Gardner on page 46. It is even stated that the town is only referred to after the 6th century Ad and does not appear at all in the Hebrew Talmud. In this context maybe its English mistranslation is being referred to here.

[@alextamulis]

Hi, DosMatrix, I got the definition from: Jeffrey, David L. (1992). A Dictionary of biblical tradition in English. I agree that the original meaning may be lost forever, however I can only work with what we have in terms of literature. Thanks again!

[@citrineflora]

Could the female he speaks of be a vulnerable part of himself that Vessel and Sleep are trying to destroy? 🤔

[@alextamulis]

It sure can, that's the amazing aspect of this cryptic story, it can have many meanings :)

[@francesconava6001]

Nazareth is not the place of birth of Jesus, it's the place he was raised in and began to preach. Jesus is believed to be born in Bethlehem.

[@alextamulis]

Absolutely! Nazareth i where Jesus grew up. I think the names of Biblical cities are used to point to great points in human history, points of interest. Jericho was the first city ever. Calcutta is also a place of devotion. They've all been worship sites and it ties in with the lore. I do think ST changed their direction from Two onwards, though. Some things were kept but the lore went into a more subconscious/Jungian direction, in my opinion. But it will always be a hodgepodge of human beliefs and psychology

[@Wisteria_Nyx]

Thank you for another wonderful breakdown. I want to gently say to please call "hookers" sex workers instead. "Hooker" is a slur against all sex workers.

[@DynastyInferno]

Lol. Come on now.

[@Aurora.sweet.flower]

Interesting interpretation but your analysis feels a bit watered down / pacified... One day I'll my my own thought to words

[@alextamulis]

Hey Aurora, please let me know, share the link to your analysis, I'm curious to hear your take! :)

[@mklazuli]

maybe vessel is a trans guy(like me) and was really pissed off by people seeing him as girl(like me) or he jus singing abou the toxic relationship of god with who believe on him

[@WezBlu]

He’s not trans

[@J_e_s_s_i_c_a_]

This song it tremendously beautiful ❤️.. One of my favorites..

[@Truthster772]

Analyzing Evil: Longlegs. Watch it. It dives into satanic occult and a book they reference, basically on how to “become a witch.” While listening, I could help but to think of Sleep Token and this song. I don’t know why people get so offended when people say they’re satanic? They are. I guess they’re offended because they have no concept of the occult, Satanism or Lucifierianism. Which is really too bad, cause once you dive into all that, you start to understand musicians/songs on a spiritual level. I also say this being a big fan of Sleep Token. This song though mixed with the video on their page for “Jaws,” sends a very dark message and I’m not a fan of any violence, especially that which is directed towards women. I’ve always gotten the vibe of “obsessive stalker, serial unaliver” as one element of Vessel, it could possible relate to the other band members. Again, I say this as a big fan of Sleep Token’s music. But these sort of messages sprinkled throughout their songs are more than just song lyrics.