Axeman
Amebix Lyrics


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Lock up your children the axeman is coming
Lock up your children the axeman is coming
Lock up your children the axeman is running
Lock up your children he's here!

He's coming slaughter!

Is he from the army or the S.A.S.?
Rejected and shunned, left out on his own
The skills he acquired are put to the test
The tearing of flesh and the pulping of bone!

He's coming slaughter!

It's late and it's dark but one walks the streets
An axe in his hand, no glint in his eye
This mindless machine, he butcher, you meat!
Calm and collected, but twisted inside!





He is here! Slaughter!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Amebix's song "Axeman" depict the fear and terror caused by a mysterious figure who goes on a killing spree with an axe in hand. The repeated chorus of "Lock up your children the axeman is coming" emphasizes the urgency and danger of this threat. The song questions the origin of the axeman, asking whether he is a trained soldier or a rejected loner who has honed his murderous skills through isolation. The graphic imagery of "the tearing of flesh and pulping of bone" paints a gruesome picture of the violence that this figure brings. The verses further describe the calculated and methodical approach of the axeman, with "no glint in his eye" and a twisted mind.


The lyrics to "Axeman" are a commentary on the uneasy times during the early 1980s in the UK, with a rising unemployment rate and social unrest. The song taps into the general fear and paranoia prevalent in society at that time. This song also deals with the theme of senseless violence and the terrifying unknown.


Line by Line Meaning

Lock up your children the axeman is coming
Warn the parents to protect their children as a dangerous axeman is on his way.


Lock up your children the axeman is coming
Reinforce the message to safeguard the children due to the imminent arrival of the axeman.


Lock up your children the axeman is running
Imply to take immediate action as the axeman is moving quickly and isn't far behind.


Lock up your children he's here!
Indicate that the axeman has arrived at his destination, which means potential danger is nearby.


He's coming slaughter!
Announce the arrival of the axeman and the violent and bloody actions that might occur.


Is he from the army or the S.A.S.?
Question the identity and origin of the axeman, possibly hinting at his violent and indiscriminate behavior similar to those in military ranks.


Rejected and shunned, left out on his own
Suggest that the axeman was rejected by society, and so he acts alone and not bound by any moral or social code.


The skills he acquired are put to the test
Imply that the axeman may have developed deadly skills from his rejection and uses them to execute his murderous pursuits.


The tearing of flesh and the pulping of bone!
Describe the graphic and brutal actions the axeman takes on his victims by violating their bodies and inflicting unthinkable harm.


It's late and it's dark but one walks the streets
Set the scene for the axeman's approach, the time and place contribute to the fear and uncertainty of those around him.


An axe in his hand, no glint in his eye
Highlight the lack of emotion and emptiness of the axeman, who is solely focused on his deadly mission.


This mindless machine, he butcher, you meat!
Portray the axeman as a machine without empathy, senselessly butchering his victims like cattle.


Calm and collected, but twisted inside!
Despite the violent and terrifying behavior of the axeman, his outward demeanor is calm, masking the inner turmoil and disturbed psyche.


He is here! Slaughter!
Reiterate the arrival of the axeman and the impending carnage that follows.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

chud babies

in the mood

Larry Poppins

Bad fuckin ass!

mike loya

nice hahaha

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