The Marksmen
Old Bear Mountain Lyrics

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The Marksmen stand on the castle wall
And they hold their bows so proud and tall
But I hardly remember you standing next to me
So roll on dear, I've seen this act
With your costume on, I feel relaxed
It's the rattlesnake venom that gets me in the end

Do you love me

Like I love you
Would you die for me if
I'd die for you
I'm so sorry for
All these things that I've done

So Crack my ribs
And find my heart
You said not till death do us part
It's a long time coming but you were wrong for me

So close my eyes
And let me lay

But Carve my headstone make it say
"Here lies everything that I loved in you"

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Old Bear Mountain’s song The Marksmen appear to talk about a relationship that has not worked out. The Marksmen are what appears to be two individuals who stand on a castle wall and hold bows in a proud and tall manner. However, the singer appears to hardly remember the other individual who used to stand next to them. The singer implies that they have seen this act before and feel relaxed in their costume. This could be interpreted as the other individual trying to put on a façade or a show, and the singer has grown tired of it.

The lyrics then move on to the singer asking if the other individual loves them like they love them, and if they would die for them like they would for them. The singer then apologizes for all the things they have done. This implies that the relationship is coming to an end, and the singer has acknowledged that they could have done things differently.

The lyrics end with the singer asking to have their ribs cracked and heart found, and for their headstone to read, “Here lies everything that I loved in you.” The lyrics of this song convey a sense of loss and heartbreak, but also acceptance of the situation and the role each person played in the relationship.

Line by Line Meaning

The Marksmen stand on the castle wall
The skilled archers stand atop the fortress wall

And they hold their bows so proud and tall
They grip their weapons with confidence and dignity

But I hardly remember you standing next to me
I barely recall you being by my side

So roll on dear, I've seen this act
Move forward, my love, I have witnessed this spectacle before

With your costume on, I feel relaxed
I feel at ease when you wear that outfit

It's the rattlesnake venom that gets me in the end
It's the poison of betrayal that ultimately affects me

Do you love me
Do you have affection for me?

Like I love you
Similar to the way I love you?

Would you die for me if
If it came down to it, would you sacrifice yourself for me?

I'd die for you
I would give my life for you

I'm so sorry for
I apologize for