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Witch Hunt
Onslaught Lyrics
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Burning torches the flames of death the suspects being put to the test
[Chorus]
In a different time religion's the same
The witch hunt is on as God's evil reigns
A pretty maid destined to die Lord's servants death in disguise
[Chorus]
The morning skies they turn to night the maiden she's lost her fight
Chilling screams as she burns alive the Christians ride home satisfied
[Chorus]
Many years have now gone by the slayers, the christian pride
The bible remains to cleanse the land but Satan still has the upper hand
The song "Witch Hunt" by Onslaught is a commentary on the dark history of witch hunts carried out in the name of religion. The first verse sets the scene of riders on horses with burning torches, as the suspects are being put to the test. The chorus emphasizes that in a different time, the religion might be different, but the concept of hunting down supposed evil remains the same. It suggests that the god being served is an evil one, as the witch hunt continues under his reign.
The second verse tells the story of a pretty maid who is wrongly accused of being possessed by an evil spirit. The Lord's servants disguise themselves as petty executioners to carry out their gruesome task of cleansing the evil. The chorus highlights the futility of these actions as history repeats itself over and over again.
The final verse comments on the persistence of these witch hunts, spanning years and generations. While the Bible is supposed to cleanse the land, the song emphasizes that the devil still has the upper hand. It suggests that as long as people continue to hunt down and punish those they perceive as evil, the cycle of oppression and destruction will continue.
Line by Line Meaning
The sound of horses riding by the riders fists raised to the sky
The riders approach with haste, vehemently brandishing their raised fists, mounted on horseback, creating a startling commotion.
Burning torches the flames of death the suspects being put to the test
The flickering flames of death created by the burning torches serve as the test of innocence for the suspects.
In a different time religion's the same
Despite the difference in times, the cruel and oppressive nature of religious authority remains unchanged.
The witch hunt is on as God's evil reigns
As the power of God is claimed to be at its height, so too is the severity of the witch hunt.
A pretty maid destined to die Lord's servants death in disguise
A beautiful woman is fated to be put to death by those who act as though they serve the Lord, but are in fact agents of death.
The evil spirit must be cleansed in the name of God they're claiming revenge
The perpetrators justify their actions by claiming to be cleansing the evil spirits in the name of God, but they are really seeking revenge.
The morning skies they turn to night the maiden she's lost her fight
As the maiden meets her tragic end, the sky darkens and blackens, as though onlookers are divinely punished for allowing such atrocities to be committed.
Chilling screams as she burns alive the Christians ride home satisfied
The Christians responsible for the burning of the maiden cruelly revel in their satisfaction, even as her agonized screams continue to cut through the air.
Many years have now gone by the slayers, the christian pride
Over the years, those who mercilessly persecuted others in the name of Christ have grown proud of such despicable acts, deluding themselves into believing they acted heroically.
The bible remains to cleanse the land but Satan still has the upper hand
Despite the efforts of the Bible to cleanse the land, Satan continues to hold the upper hand, presiding over the chaos and pain wrought by religious intolerance.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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