The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Oh Darlin' What Have I Done" by the artist "White Buffalo, The"

"Oh Darlin' What Have I Done" by The White Buffalo tells a chilling story of a man lost in despair and driven to a spree of violence. The lyrics are a lament, a confession from the protagonist to his "darlin'," expressing remorse and horror at his actions, yet also hinting at an inability to stop.

The song opens with the protagonist acknowledging that a prolonged separation from his "darlin'" (perhaps a lover, wife, or simply someone dear) has led him down a path of darkness and hardened his heart. He feels lost, unable to pray or find solace in faith. His days are consumed by violence, taking lives with a chilling detachment.

The recurring question "Oh darlin', what have I done?" emphasizes his growing despair and loss of control. He understands the weight of his crimes, believing he deserves punishment and even envisioning his death by hanging as fitting retribution.

Despite the remorse, there's a disturbing sense of bloodlust in his actions. He finds a twisted pleasure in killing, viewing it as a way to claim his "due" in life. This paradoxical image of a man torn between regret and a thirst for blood creates a haunting atmosphere of hopelessness.

Ultimately, the song offers no easy answers, leaving the listener to ponder the unsettling themes of human nature, despair, and the devastating consequences of violence.