The title of this song is a reference to the 1968 western movie of the same… Read Full Bio ↴The title of this song is a reference to the 1968 western movie of the same name starring Clint Eastwood. The narrator is telling his companion to continue fighting their enemies even if he dies, an idea also explored in the band’s song “SING.” He advises her to bury him and move on with her life.

Western movies often end with the screen fading to black. This reference continues on the western, almost cowboy-ish feel of the song established by the intro. This line is also sung in the beginning of the song.

Hang Em High
My Chemical Romance Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Wait until it fades to black
Ride into the sunset
Would I lie to you?
Well, I've got something to say
Grab your six-gun from your back
Throttle the ignition
Would I die for you?
Well here's your answer in spades

Shotgun sinners
Wild eyed jokers
Got you in my sights
Gun it while I'm holding on

After all is said and done
Climb out from the pine box
Well I'm asking you
'Cause she's got nothing to say
The angels just cut out her tongue
Call her black Mariah
Would I lie to you?
That girl's not right in the brain

Mass convulsions
Strike the choir
By the grace of God
Gun it while I'm holding on

But don't stop if I fall
And don't look back
Oh baby don't stop
Bury me and fade to black

She won't stop me put it down
She won't stop me put it down
She won't stop me put it down
So get your gun and meet me by the door

She won't stop me put it down
She won't stop me put it down
She won't stop me put it down
So get your gun and meet me by the door

She won't stop me put it down
She won't stop me put it down
She won't stop me put it down
So get your gun and meet me by the door

She won't stop me put it down
She won't stop me put it down
She won't stop me put it down
So baby

Don't stop if I fall
And don't look back
Oh baby don't stop
Bury me and fade to black

Don't stop if I fall
And don't look back
Oh baby don't stop
Bury me and fade to black

Well don't stop

Overall Meaning

if I fall and don't look back because baby, bury me and fade to black. These lyrics from My Chemical Romance's "Hang Em' High" tell the story of a reckless pair of outlaws who are on a mission to seek revenge. They're on horseback, riding into the sunset with a six-gun and a shotgun while being pursued by law enforcement. Despite the risks and the possible consequences, they won't stop until they complete their mission. The lyrics also depict a gruesome scene with one of the outlaws being killed, as he urges his partner not to stop but to bury him and fade to black.

The song "Hang Em' High" is a powerful and energetic piece that maintains the signature sound of My Chemical Romance. The lyrics are vivid, raw, and imaginative, inviting the listener to feel the desperation, anger, and fear of these outlaws. The phrase "Hang Em' High" is known as a famous phrase uttered during the Western era, which referred to hanging people who had committed crimes. In this song, the phrase is used as a symbolic representation of a harsh justice system.

Overall, "Hang Em' High" is a song that captures the essence of My Chemical Romance's unique sound, style, and storytelling abilities. It's a testament to their talent and creativity, and it's a song that stands the test of time.

Line by Line Meaning

Wait until it fades to black
We'll wait until the situation reaches its closure

Ride into the sunset
Let's leave this situation behind us and move on

Would I lie to you?
Do you trust me?

Well, I've got something to say
I have something important to tell you

Grab your six-gun from your back
Get ready to protect yourself

Throttle the ignition
Start the engine and prepare to go fast

Would I die for you?
Would I risk my life to protect you?

Well here's your answer in spades
Yes, I would do anything for you

Shotgun sinners
Dangerous and reckless people

Wild eyed jokers
People with craziness and unpredictability in their actions

Got you in my sights
I am observing you closely

Gun it while I'm holding on
Accelerate quickly while I'm still attached to you

After all is said and done
Once everything is over

Climb out from the pine box
Get out of your own grave

Well I'm asking you
I need to hear from you

'Cause she's got nothing to say
Because she can't communicate anymore

The angels just cut out her tongue
She was silenced, perhaps against her will

Call her black Mariah
Refer to her as a hearse

Would I lie to you?
Can you still trust me?

That girl's not right in the brain
That girl has some mental issues

Mass convulsions
A lot of sudden movements

Strike the choir
Disrupt and attack the peaceful and harmonious

By the grace of God
Thanks to divine assistance

But don't stop if I fall
Keep going even if I can't continue

And don't look back
Don't dwell on the past

Oh baby don't stop
Never give up

Bury me and fade to black
If I die, just let me rest and move on

She won't stop me put it down
I won't let her stop me

So get your gun and meet me by the door
Prepare for battle, we're facing danger

So baby
My dear

Well don't stop
Keep going no matter what

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: FRANK IERO, MATTHEW PELLISIER, RAY TORO, GERARD WAY, MICHAEL WAY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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