Since the band's inception, there have been over fifteen musicians in and out of King Diamond, with the only two mainstays being vocalist King Diamond and guitarist Andy LaRocque. In 1987 the band released their second studio release Abigail (their first concept album). Throughout the 1980s, King Diamond released a total of four studio albums. In the early 1990s, the band was put on hold when King Diamond reunited with his former outfit Mercyful Fate. After reforming King Diamond in 1994, Diamond would balance recording and touring with both Mercyful Fate and his eponymous band throughout the 90's. Since the early 2000s, King Diamond have kept recording and touring and, since 2014, the band has been composed of vocalist King Diamond, guitarist Andy LaRocque, guitarist Mike Wead, drummer Matt Thompson, and bassist Pontus Egberg.
The Dead
King Diamond Lyrics
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Heaven or Hell
Where are we now? What is this place?
Don't you remember little brother? We died we're dead
But what are they gonna do to me? Am I going to Hell?
I don't know, but that's what THEY say
I will try to find you another soul
Listen do you hear that organ play?
I must go to where the organ plays
I must go but I can never stay
Now to this house I go
Don't let anyone see your bloody dress
The lyrics to King Diamond's song The Dead are haunting and mysterious. The song tells the story of two brothers who have died and are now in a place where they are unsure if they are in heaven or hell. The singer is asking his brother if they are in heaven or hell, to which his younger brother responds with uncertainty.
The older brother then goes on to say that they died, and he wonders what is going to happen to them. His brother asks if he's going to Hell, to which the older brother responds that he doesn't know but it's what "they" say. Feeling the need to save his brother from this place, the older brother sets out to find another soul to take his place, hoping that it will spare his brother from the same fate.
The lyrics are filled with a sense of foreboding and desperation. The listener is left to wonder where this place is and what is happening to the brothers. The line, "Don't let anyone see your bloody dress," adds to the sense of fear and unease, leaving the listener to envision a disturbing scene.
Line by Line Meaning
Heaven or Hell
Is our fate heaven or hell?
Heaven or Hell
Our fate is either heaven or hell.
Where are we now? What is this place?
What is this place we are in after death?
Don't you remember little brother? We died we're dead
We died and have become dead, don't you recall, my brother?
But what are they gonna do to me? Am I going to Hell?
What is going to happen to me? Am I consigned to hell?
I don't know, but that's what THEY say
I am unsure, but that is what THEY have said.
I will try to find you another soul
I will attempt to find a soul to take my place in hell in order to free you.
Listen do you hear that organ play?
Do you hear the sound of the organ being played?
I must go to where the organ plays
I must seek out where the organ is being played.
I must go but I can never stay
I must go, but I cannot remain.
Now to this house I go
I am now entering this house.
Don't let anyone see your bloody dress
Make certain that no one notices the blood on your clothing.
Contributed by Elijah L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.