Beat the Devil's Tattoo
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Lyrics

The lyrics of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's song Beat the Devil's Tattoo are full of vivid symbolism that suggests a deep sense of desperation and hopelessness. The song seems to describe a person who has lost everything and has no direction or purpose in life. The opening lines, "You have forsaken all the love you've taken, sleepin' on a razor there's nowhere left to fall," create a dark and dangerous image that sets the tone for the rest of the song. The use of the razor symbolizes the fragile and precarious nature of life, and the idea that there is nowhere left to fall suggests that the person is at rock bottom.

The lyrics go on to describe the person's physical and emotional pain, with lines such as "Your body's aching, every bone is breakin'" and "Your soul is able, death is all you cradle." It seems as though the person is trapped in a cycle of suffering that they can't escape from. The chorus, with its repeated "Ah, ah, ah, ah" sounds, reinforces the idea of being stuck in a pattern that can't be broken.

The song takes a philosophical turn, stating that "There is no peace here, war is never cheap dear, love will never meet it, it just gets sold for parts." The use of these metaphors suggests that life is a constant struggle, and that love, which is often seen as a way to find peace or comfort, is just another commodity that can be bought and sold. The idea that "everyone is king when there's no one left to pawn" reinforces the sense of hopelessness, suggesting that the person has lost everything and has no control over their life anymore.

In the end, the lyrics seem to suggest that the only solution is to face one's own demons and let them run free. "Open up your eyelids and let your demons run" implies that the person should confront their inner demons and let them take over. The final lines, "I thread the needle through, you beat the devil tattoo," create a sense of urgency and intensity, as though there is no time left for anything but action.

Overall, the lyrics of Beat the Devil's Tattoo paint a picture of despair and hopelessness, but with a glimmer of hope that comes from confronting one's own demons.