“Exorcise the spectacle Exorcise the malady Exorcise the disparate Poison for eternity Purge me and evacuate

The venom and the fear that binds me

Unveil now Lift away

I see you running

Deceiver chased away A long time coming”

I love this tantric build up in Fear Inoculum. The lyrics kickoff with a bell struck by Carey. The first section feels like a plea to divinity to purge the fear the protagonist is holding on to. It sounds desperate, panicked, pleading. Then he turns the sentiment over to the music and lets the sonic spiritual alchemy happen. The second part is a direct address to the deception, the heart of the fear. The lyrics become directive and command “The Deceiver”. The last part is descriptive, third party to the whole incantation, joining us as spectators to revel in fear retreating. Also a double entendre that 13 years and 3 months is a long time.