Vestal Virgins were the high priestesses of Vesta, tasked with cultivating the sacred fire that was not allowed to go out to ensure the security of Rome. In order to be freed of the social obligations to marry and bear children, a vow of chastity was taken. If this vow were to be broken, the Vestal who succumbed to her temptations would be entombed alive never to be let out. For "Lord Knows," the slow-burn nature of the song and it's promise of destructive love proved to be a perfect match for this narrative to be realized.