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The meaning of the lyrics of the song "The Hangman's Body Count" by the artist "Volbeat"

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The song "The Hangman's Body Count" by Volbeat explores the themes of inevitable retribution and the consequences of inaction in the face of injustice. The lyrics draw inspiration from Maurice Ogden's poem "The Hangman," which features a ruthless executioner terrorizing a town.

The song paints a picture of a doomed individual walking towards their fate. The imagery is ominous: the hangman's footsteps, the figure clad in black, the cawing of the raven — all contribute to an atmosphere of dread and inevitability. The lyrical protagonist hears the wind calling, guiding them towards the gallows as if on rails, leaving no room for escape.

The line "Their images have seized my past, but in this world, they're not forgotten" implies that the protagonist has witnessed previous executions but chose not to intervene. Now, they face the consequences of their inaction as "your only friend stands on the gallows' edge" — everyone else is already dead.

The recurring motif of "Justice prevails, the hangman's here" emphasizes the inescapable nature of punishment. The protagonist understands that their time has come: "Put on the rope, you knew this day would come." The final line, "You're joining the hangman's body count," serves as a sentence, reinforcing the idea that inaction in the face of evil makes one complicit in the crime.

Hear his boots and see the figure dressed in black

Echoes of him have been heard, spiritually he's all intact

Guided by the raven since his eyes don't see

Hear him drag the rope that goes up to the hangman's tree

The wind calls your name, get out of your bed

Go out to the hills, the raven will lead

Judgement will prevail, the hangman is here

You smell the rain, and as you walk the final top

Pictures of them grabs my past, but not forgotten in this world

See the valley turn to darkness on your way

The only friend you have is standing at the gallows end

The wind calls your name, get out of your bed

Go out to the hills, the raven will lead

Judgement will prevail, the hangman is here

Put on the rope, you knew the day was coming

Say your prayers once more

You are a part of the Hangman's Body Count

Hear his boots and see the figure dressed in black

Echoes of him have been heard, spiritually he's all intact

The wind calls your name, get out of your bed

Go out to the hills, the raven will lead

Judgement will prevail, the hangman is here

Put on the rope, you knew the day was coming

Say your prayers once more

You are a part of the Hangman's Body Count

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