Latimer's Mercy
Ozzy Osbourne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Another pill, you spiral down deeper
Another cut by a surgical butcher
It's just a way of prolonging the torture
I won't say I don't know what I'm doing
I won't say that I'm sorry
I'll make the pain rest in peace
I'll turn off the light and
Swallow your last breath
So close your eyes, fall asleep
I'll never hurt you
I'll never hurt you
The sun shines on this deadly new morning
The church bells ring an early warning
Your eyes shine as I turn on the motor
The tears fall as the mercy gets closer
I won't say I don't know what I'm doing
I won't say that I'm sorry
I can't bring you back but I can't leave you helpless
I'll make the pain rest in peace
I'll turn off the light and
Swallow your last breath
So close your eyes, fall asleep
I'll never hurt you
I can't bring you back but I can't leave you helpless
I'll make the pain rest in peace
I'll turn off the light and
Swallow your last breath
So close your eyes, fall asleep
I'll never hurt you
The lyrics to Ozzy Osbourne's song "Latimer's Mercy" seem to be describing a scene in which the singer is watching someone close to him suffer from a medical condition. He references "another full seizure" and "another pill" which indicates that this person has been dealing with this condition for some time. The lyrics also mention a "surgical butcher" and "prolonging the torture," suggesting that the medical treatments being given to this person are not improving their condition and may be causing further harm.
Despite the pain and suffering, the singer is determined not to hurt this person. He wants to make their pain "rest in peace" and provide them with mercy. Perhaps the most striking part of the lyrics is in the chorus, when he says "I'll turn off the light and swallow your last breath, so close your eyes and fall asleep. I'll never hurt you." Whilst this could be seen as a very dark and disturbing idea, it is apparently meant as an act of mercy, a request to end the suffering of someone without making them suffer further.
Overall, the lyrics to "Latimer's Mercy" are vivid and powerful. They accurately portray the difficult emotions and situations that arise in the face of serious illness, and the deep desire to help and care for those we love.
Line by Line Meaning
Another day and another full seizure
Every day brings another painful and traumatic episode.
Another pill, you spiral down deeper
Taking medication only makes things worse and leads to even deeper despair.
Another cut by a surgical butcher
Surgical procedures feel like being butchered, adding to the pain and suffering.
It's just a way of prolonging the torture
All these attempts to alleviate the pain only seem to make things worse and prolong the suffering.
I won't say I don't know what I'm doing
I know what I'm doing, even if it may seem cruel to others.
I won't say that I'm sorry
I'm not sorry for what I'm about to do, as it's the only way to end the suffering.
I can't bring you back but I can't leave you helpless
I can't undo what's been done, but I also can't abandon you in your pain.
I'll make the pain rest in peace
The only way to end the pain is to bring peace through mercy.
I'll turn off the light and
I'll bring an end to your pain and suffering.
Swallow your last breath
I'll help you find peace in your final moments.
So close your eyes, fall asleep
Drift off into a final sleep, free from pain and suffering.
I'll never hurt you
I'm doing this out of mercy and love, to end your pain and suffering.
The sun shines on this deadly new morning
Despite the act that's about to take place, the world goes on as usual, emphasizing the finality of the situation.
The church bells ring an early warning
The church bells remind us of the spiritual and moral implications of what's about to happen.
Your eyes shine as I turn on the motor
Even in your final moments, your eyes shine with hope and anticipation of the end of your suffering.
The tears fall as the mercy gets closer
Despite the hope, the reality of the situation brings sadness and tears.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: KEVIN CHURKO, OZZY OSBOURNE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind