Chelsea Wolfe - Birth of Violence Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What inspired the third verse of 'Birth of Violence'?

   The third verse was inspired by a story Chelsea Wolfe heard from her friend Mike Sullivan about his cat Ethel. As Ethel was put to sleep at a clinic, two white owls appeared outside, and the power in that part of Los Angeles went out, which Wolfe recounts in the lyrics.

2. Where did Chelsea Wolfe write and record her album 'Birth of Violence'?

   Chelsea Wolfe wrote and recorded 'Birth of Violence' in seclusion at her home in Northern California. This setting allowed her to channel the emotions and themes that are present throughout the album.

3. Why did Chelsea Wolfe choose the title 'Birth of Violence' for her album?

   The title 'Birth of Violence' came to Wolfe as a strong personal and poetic expression. Despite initial hesitations about potential misunderstandings, she felt it symbolized a woman's empowerment and growth, as well as evoking imagery akin to a book title she might have seen while working in a used bookstore as a kid.

4. What themes does Chelsea Wolfe explore in 'Birth of Violence'?

   In 'Birth of Violence', Chelsea Wolfe explores themes of empowerment, personal growth, and transformation. The lyrics reflect a journey of self-discovery, the confrontation of personal and external forces, and the vivid imagery of the natural world’s beauty and menace.

5. How does the imagery of nature feature in the song 'Birth of Violence'?

   The song features vivid imagery of nature, such as references to 'grey stones and azure river' and 'towns in a mudslide'. This reflects the natural world's duality—its beauty and its potentially destructive power—which mirrors the song's themes of transformation and resilience.

6. What is significant about the line 'With the nod of two white owls'?

   The line 'With the nod of two white owls' is significant as it pays tribute to the event that inspired the song's third verse. It symbolizes the moment when Mike Sullivan's cat, Ethel, was put to sleep, coinciding with two white owls appearing and a power outage in Los Angeles.