The Hero
Amon Amarth Lyrics
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Black as my soulless heart
It bears the burden of many lives
But I don't feel remorse
I lent my sword to anyone
Willing to pay the price
No regrets for what I've done
A mercenary's life
But there I was on battlegrounds
Until I felt the jaws of death cut into my flesh
Defending old and weak
But I did not retreat
Now, here I lie in my own blood
And strangers cry for me
I'm prepared to meet the Gods
I wish they'd let me be
I don't deserve their sympathy
I know who I am
My soul is death and misery
I am an evil man
I rest in my blood, soon I will face the Gods
Strangers cry for me, I wish they'd let me be
Show no sympathy, shed no tears for me
I know who I am, I am an evil man
I know who I am, I am an evil man
I know who I am, I am an evil man
I know who I am, I am an evil man
I know who I am, I am an evil man
The lyrics of Amon Amarth's "The Hero" depict the confession of an unrepentant mercenary who has taken countless lives with his pitch-black sword. He shows no remorse for his actions and takes pride in his work as a hired killer. He admits that his soul is filled with death and misery and he is an evil man.
The singer's character is at odds with the typical hero whose actions are virtuous, selfless, and empathetic. He has committed heinous acts that are difficult to justify or absolve. However, the twist in the tale comes when he finds himself fighting to protect the weak and old, despite knowing that it could potentially cost his life. This moment of bravery sets him apart from the other mercenaries who would retreat when confronted with death's imminent presence. When he finds himself on his deathbed, he is surprised by the strangers' outpouring of grief for him. He acknowledges that he deserves no one's sympathy, as he has led a life wrought with evil deeds.
The song is thought-provoking as it delves into the concept of heroism not being defined by one's actions alone, but by the context surrounding them. It urges us not to be quick to judge others by their outwardly vile deeds, as that might not be the only side to their stories.
Line by Line Meaning
The blade I swing is black as night
I am a ruthless killer, my sword is a symbol of my darkness.
Black as my soulless heart
My heart is dark and empty, devoid of compassion or remorse.
It bears the burden of many lives
My sword has ended many lives, and I carry the weight of their deaths with me.
But I don't feel remorse
I do not regret any of the lives I have taken, I am unapologetically evil.
I lent my sword to anyone
I have no loyalty, I am a mercenary who will fight for any cause, as long as I am paid.
Willing to pay the price
Money is the only thing that motivates me, I am a sell-sword.
No regrets for what I've done
I feel no remorse for the lives I have taken, my conscience is not burdened by guilt.
A mercenary's life
My life is one of violence and killing, with no higher purpose or meaning.
But there I was on battlegrounds
I have seen many battles and have fought in countless wars.
Until I felt the jaws of death cut into my flesh
I have faced death many times and have been wounded in battle.
Defending old and weak
Despite my evil nature, there have been times when I have fought to protect those who could not defend themselves.
But I did not retreat
I am a warrior who will stand my ground, no matter the odds.
Now, here I lie in my own blood
I am dying, my own blood staining the ground beneath me.
And strangers cry for me
People who do not know me weep for my passing.
I'm prepared to meet the Gods
I am not afraid of death, and am ready to face whatever judgment awaits me.
I wish they'd let me be
Despite this, I do not want their pity or sympathy.
I don't deserve their sympathy
I am an evil man who has caused much pain and suffering, I do not deserve any pity or sympathy.
My soul is death and misery
My very being is one of darkness and suffering, my soul is consumed by death and misery.
I am an evil man
Ultimately, I know that I am a villainous character, and that darkness defines me.
I rest in my blood, soon I will face the Gods
As I near my death, I feel my life slipping away, and prepare to face my ultimate judgment.
Strangers cry for me, I wish they'd let me be
I am dying surrounded by those who do not truly know me, and I desire that they do not weep for me.
Show no sympathy, shed no tears for me
I do not want anyone to feel sorry for me or shed tears on my behalf.
I know who I am, I am an evil man
Ultimately, I am fully aware of my own nature, and embrace my identity as an evil figure.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TED OSCAR LUNDSTROEM, OLAVI MIKKONEN, JOHAN SOEDERBERG, FREDRIK ANDERSSON, JOHAN HEGG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind