Retribution
Alex Walton Lyrics

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I hope you got a clear conscience
From all you've done to me
And I hope you've come to some conclusion
That puts the fault on me
When I was a child, my momma said
Don't say nothin if it ain't nice
Well I've reached the end of my rope
And movin on won't suffice

I dreamed I saw out east of Eden
The cherubim and the flaming sword
I dreamed I ran to the kitchenette
And grabbed a knife from the drawer
I own every choice I've ever made
But some tangos are made for two

And I hope you've made some kinda peace
That moves the fault away from you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Alex Walton's song "Retribution" delve deep into themes of seeking closure, dealing with guilt, and the complexities of taking responsibility for one's actions. The singer expresses a desire for the other person to have a clear conscience from all the harm they have caused, while simultaneously reflecting on his own upbringing and the teachings of his mother to only speak kindly. However, he reaches a breaking point where simply moving on is not enough, suggesting a sense of unresolved anger and frustration.

The imagery of "out east of Eden" and references to the cherubim and the flaming sword evoke a sense of a lost paradise and divine judgment. The singer's dream of grabbing a knife from the kitchenette suggests a violent impulse born out of a deep emotional turmoil. Despite owning up to his own choices, he acknowledges that certain actions are intertwined with others, hinting at a shared responsibility in the situation. There is a palpable sense of internal conflict and unresolved tension that lingers beneath the surface of these lines.

The notion of "some tangos are made for two" implies a dance or a relationship dynamic in which both parties play a part. The singer hints at the hope that the other person has found some kind of peace or resolution that shifts the blame away from themselves. This notion of seeking peace and closure extends beyond just personal accountability and touches on the complexities of human relationships and the shared burdens that come with it. It suggests a yearning for understanding, forgiveness, and ultimately, letting go of the weight of past grievances.

In conclusion, the lyrics of "Retribution" by Alex Walton encapsulate a journey of grappling with guilt, seeking closure, and navigating the complexities of personal agency and shared responsibilities in relationships. The song paints a poignant picture of internal conflict, emotional turmoil, and the deep desire for resolution and peace. It reflects on the intricacies of human interactions, the weight of past actions, and the longing for forgiveness and healing. The singer's introspective musings and evocative imagery create a powerful narrative that resonates with anyone who has experienced the turbulence of unresolved emotions and the quest for inner peace.

Line by Line Meaning

I hope you got a clear conscience
I hope you have no guilt or remorse

From all you've done to me
For the actions you have taken against me

And I hope you've come to some conclusion
I hope you have reached a decision

That puts the fault on me
That blames me for everything

When I was a child, my momma said
In my youth, my mother advised

Don't say nothin if it ain't nice
Not to speak unless it is kind

Well I've reached the end of my rope
I have reached my breaking point

And movin on won't suffice
Simply moving forward is not enough

I dreamed I saw out east of Eden
I imagined seeing beyond paradise

The cherubim and the flaming sword
Angelic figures and a weapon of fire

I dreamed I ran to the kitchenette
I imagined running to the small kitchen