The Vipers
Gaza Lyrics


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You have to wade through the dogs, the vipers, the preachers, the brands
With nothing between you and their sharpened teeth
But the skin over your pale ivory skeleton.
They can tear at the flesh. They can blacken tissue.
They can bleed you. But they can't break the bones.
And when you're through, when all that's left
Is your breath on the air and their howls behind you.
Raise the child in your arms to the sun.
Give her light.





Overall Meaning

The opening line of Gaza's song "The Vipers" paints quite a vivid picture of the dangerous journey the singer must undertake. Wading through a pack of menacing dogs, alongside venomous snakes and overly pious preachers, while being conscious of the branded scars on their skins, represents the singer's struggles in navigating treacherous situations. The image of the sharpened teeth signifies the many trials and battles that the singer will face on their journey to achieve their goals. The line, "with nothing between you and their sharpened teeth, but the skin over your pale ivory skeleton," underscores the singer's vulnerability and lack of protection against the many obstacles along their path.


The verse continues to describe the brutal effects of the challenge on the singer, from physical harm to psychological scars. The inherent message behind the lyrics is that through thick and thin, by staying true to oneself, and continuing to push through adversity, the singer will ultimately reach their destination. The chorus is reflective of the rewards for such tenacity, in this case, holding a child up to the sun, granting a sense of hope and accomplishment.


Line by Line Meaning

You have to wade through the dogs, the vipers, the preachers, the brands
You must pass through a place with hazardous creatures such as dogs, vipers, false religious leaders, and commercial entities.


With nothing between you and their sharpened teeth
There is no barrier between you and the dangerous creatures' sharp teeth that can cause severe harm.


But the skin over your pale ivory skeleton.
Your skin is the only layer that protects your vulnerable body.


They can tear at the flesh. They can blacken tissue.
The animals and other threats can damage your flesh and cause it to turn black.


They can bleed you. But they can't break the bones.
You may suffer injuries and bleed, but the creatures cannot break your bones.


And when you're through, when all that's left Is your breath on the air and their howls behind you.
Once you make it past the dangerous area, you may be left with only your breath and the sounds of the creatures behind you.


Raise the child in your arms to the sun.
Celebrate the fact that you made it out safely by raising a child in your arms towards the sun as a symbol of life and hope.


Give her light.
Provide the child with light, which symbolizes knowledge, hope, and a bright future.




Contributed by Gianna N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

LUMBERTHON

This does have a distinct country and western vibe to it

Ruben silva

Amazing song. Brilliant band.

Legalize Sherm

I love finding old flame wars. Makes me feel like some kinda archaeologist.

some nothing

modern archaeologist. so old you can't even reply to them

goof off

Metal, Hardcore, who really cares? It all comes from the same place and it all sounds fucking awesome.

For Your Consideration

I’ve yet to find a heavier album than this.

Krömface

Anyone still jamming in 2018?

Ryan Lennox

2021

Juanjo Rodriguez Garcia

2020

Chester G.

2019 🤙🏼

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