Death Don't Have No Mercy
Jorma Kaukonen Trio Lyrics
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Well now death don't have no mercy in this land
He'll come to your house and he won't stay long
Look 'round the room one of your family will be gone
Death don't have no mercy in this land
Death will leave you standin' and cryin' in this land
Death will leave you standin' and cryin' in this land
Look 'round the room one of your family will be gone
Death don't have no mercy in this land
Well death don't give you time to get ready in this land
Well death don't give you time to get ready in this land
He'll come to your house and he won't stay long
Look 'round the room one of your mama will be gone
Death don't have no mercy in this land
Well now death don't have no mercy in this land
Well now death don't have no mercy in this land
He'll come to your house and he won't stay long
Look 'round the room one of your family will be gone
Death don't have no mercy in this land
The Jorma Kaukonen Trio's "Death Don't Have No Mercy" is a blues song that reflects on the inevitability of death and the suddenness with which life can be taken away. The repetition of the phrase "death don't have no mercy in this land" reinforces the theme of finality and emphasizes the point that death does not discriminate – it comes for everyone eventually. The song describes death as a swift visitor who, once he arrives, takes someone from the room with him. The lyrics suggest that death takes people without warning or preparation, and emphasizes the pain and heartbreak that comes with losing loved ones.
The repetitive nature of the lyrics also give a sense of inescapability. The fact that death can come at any moment adds to the melancholic mood of the song, accentuated by the haunting melody and profound lyrics. One can interpret the song as a commentary on the impermanence of life and the fact that we should value our loved ones while they are still with us, since we cannot predict when they'll be taken away.
Line by Line Meaning
Well now death don't have no mercy in this land
Death is an unforgiving and merciless force that exists in this world.
He'll come to your house and he won't stay long
Death arrives suddenly and without warning, taking those it chooses without hesitation.
Look 'round the room one of your family will be gone
Death has the power to take someone from your family at any moment, leaving you to mourn their loss.
Death will leave you standin' and cryin' in this land
The pain of losing someone to death can leave you standing and crying, feeling lost and alone.
Well death don't give you time to get ready in this land
Death can strike at any moment, without giving you time to prepare or say goodbye.
Look 'round the room one of your mama will be gone
The painful reality of death is that it can take anyone, even your own mother, leaving you with a sense of deep loss and sadness.
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: GARY DAVIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind