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The meaning of the lyrics of the song "The Gates of Babylon" by the artist "Volbeat"

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The song "The Gates of Babylon" by Volbeat tells the ancient Sumerian-Akkadian myth of the goddess Ishtar's descent into the underworld, ruled by her sister Ereshkigal.

The lyrics describe Ishtar's harrowing journey through the seven gates of the underworld. At each stage, she loses a part of her power and might, symbolized by the ornaments that are removed from her by the guardians. Stripped of everything, naked and helpless, Ishtar appears before Ereshkigal.

The song features an unnamed hero sent by the god Ea to find Ishtar and bring her back to life. This character acts as an observer, witnessing the goddess's fall and potential resurrection.

The recurring phrase "Dear ancient god, show your home at the gates of Babylon" can be interpreted as a plea for help addressed to Ea, or as a statement of the inevitability of fate awaiting everyone at the gates of death.

The song is filled with images of death, loss, and despair, but at the same time contains a glimmer of hope for rebirth, enclosed in the lines about the return of Ishtar.

Awakening a goddess in the dark

On a stake she's been hanging like a doll

Tried to reach for the underworld

Had to pass through the seven gates of hell

Naked, lost, and deprived of all

All the power that she had lost

Dear ancient god, reveal your home

At the gates of Babylon

Dear ancient one, I see your home

At the gates of Babylon

Sent by Lord Enki to find, the goddess Ishtar,

And bring her back to life

The tale of death and rebirth will become,

The walls of kings and the goddess that she was

Naked, lost and deprived of all

All the power that she had lost

Dear ancient god, reveal your home

At the gates of Babylon

Dear ancient one, I see your home

At the gates of Babylon

[Ishtar to Erishkigal:]

Dear sister what have I done to deserve thy anger?

I passed through the seven gates, now all I had is yours

The underworld that you rule, I became a victim of

The messenger from another time has brought me home

Dear ancient god, reveal your home

At the gates of Babylon

Dear ancient one, I see your home

At the gates of Babylon

Dear ancient god, reveal your home

At the gates of Babylon

Dear ancient one, I see your home

At the gates of Babylon

Dear ancient God release your soul,

at the gates of Babylon

Dear ancient one, I see your home

At the gates of Babylon

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