Rattlesnake
Bride Lyrics
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Dropping rattlesnakes in the playground
Are we evil, are we good?
Dropping rattlesnakes in the playground
Would you save them if you could?
What have the children to do with it?
This is the sewer where filth unites
This is the place dark tramples the light
It used to be pretty, now it's such a pity
Brings out the animal in all of us
No more sad sob story
No more preaching and a-crying
Falling like soldiers of fortune
Dropping rattlesnakes in the playground
Are we evil, are we good?
Dropping rattlesnakes in the playground
Would you save them if you could?
It won't get any better, it'll only get worse
Cry to God and plead the fifth
Who's to blame for our demise?
Cleanse our hands from all the lies
Used to be pretty, now it's such a pity
Brings out the animal in all of us
No more sad sob story,
No more preaching and a-crying
Falling like soldiers of fortune
Dropping rattlesnakes in the playground
Are we evil, are we good?
Dropping rattlesnakes in the playground
Would you save them if you could?
Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak
Cain visits Abel, the earth, and the meek
Lift up the children where you can
Jezebel cocaine in the devil's hands
It used to be pretty, now it's such a pity
Brings out the animal in all of us
No more sad sob story,
No more preaching and a-crying
Falling like soldiers of fortune
Dropping rattlesnakes in the playground
Are we evil, are we good?
Dropping rattlesnakes in the playground
Would you save them if you could?
Dropping rattlesnakes in the playground
Are we evil, are we good?
Dropping rattlesnakes in the playground
Would you save them if you could?
Rattlesnakes
in the Playground is a song about the evil present in the world as portrayed through the metaphor of dropping rattlesnakes in a playground. The song seems to be an admonition to humanity about the dangers of unchecked wickedness. The lyrics indicate that there is often no clear distinction between good and evil and that we must make conscious choices to do the right thing. The line "this is the place dark tramples the light" suggests that evil often overpowers good in the world. The song also references the killing of mules in South America and the Jezebel cocaine, both of which represent the dangers of human vices and how they destroy not only the individual but the community as a whole.
Other parts of the song touch on the idea of preaching and sob stories not being effective in changing the world for the better. Instead, we need to be proactive and take action to make a difference. The line "Falling like soldiers of fortune" shows that we must be willing to act even when it is difficult or dangerous. The repeated chorus of asking if we would save the rattlesnakes if we could reminds us that even the smallest acts of kindness and compassion can make a difference.
Line by Line Meaning
Dropping rattlesnakes in the playground
Causing chaos and danger in a place where innocent children play
Are we evil, are we good?
Questioning the intentions and morality of the people responsible for dropping the rattlesnakes
Would you save them if you could?
Posing the question of whether or not the situation could be rectified if given the opportunity
What have the children to do with it?
Expressing confusion and outrage at why innocent children are targeted in these dangerous acts
Kill the mules in South America
Drawing attention to the senseless violence and destruction happening in other parts of the world
This is the sewer where filth unites
Describing the setting of the chaotic and dangerous act as a place of darkness and evil
This is the place dark tramples the light
Further emphasizing the darkness and evil that dominate the scene
It used to be pretty, now it's such a pity
Noting the decline of the once-beautiful surroundings to a state of despair and destruction
Brings out the animal in all of us
The chaotic and violent situation brings out primal instincts and tendencies in people
No more sad sob story
Rejecting the idea of pity and sadness over the situation
No more preaching and a-crying
Rejecting the idea of empty words and tears without taking action
Falling like soldiers of fortune
Forced into chaos and danger much like mercenaries in battle
It won't get any better, it'll only get worse
Pessimistic outlook on the future of the situation
Cry to God and plead the fifth
Asking for divine intervention and avoiding self-incrimination
Who's to blame for our demise?
Questioning who is responsible for the chaos and destruction
Cleanse our hands from all the lies
Asking for absolution from the guilt and lies surrounding the situation
Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak
Acknowledging the internal struggle between good and evil impulses
Cain visits Abel, the earth, and the meek
Alluding to the biblical story of Cain killing his brother Abel, and the violence and suffering that follows
Lift up the children where you can
Encouraging protection and care for the innocent children caught up in the chaos
Jezebel cocaine in the devil's hands
Metaphor for the seductive and dangerous nature of evil and temptation
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: Dale Thompson, Jerry Mcbroom, Rick Foley, Troy Allen Thompson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind