Chains
Raveonettes The Lyrics
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Delinquent girl
And all her angels on death row
Alcoholic Ann
Violent girl
Another angel on death row
Citizen girl
Beatific angel on death row
They thought they could change
But one thing's for sure
That all the angels never die
The Raveonettes' song "Chains" tells the story of three women, Mary, Ann, and Dorothy, who are all on death row. Mary is described as "maxed," suggesting that she has reached the peak of her abilities or strength but also implying a sense of exhaustion or depletion. Ann is labeled as "alcoholic" and "violent," giving the impression that she has struggled with addiction and has a tendency towards physical aggression. Dorothy, on the other hand, is characterized as "dangerous" yet "beatific," hinting at a complex personality with elements of both danger and transcendence.
The song suggests that these women may have committed serious crimes and are paying the ultimate price for their actions. However, the repeated refrain that "all the angels never die" suggests that there is something transcendent about these women, something that cannot be destroyed by mortal means. The use of the term "angels" in the lyrics can be interpreted in different ways - as a metaphor for the women's inherent goodness, a symbol of their spiritual essence, or an ironic commentary on their criminal status. Either way, it adds a layer of complexity to the song, hinting at themes of redemption, salvation, and the human condition.
Line by Line Meaning
Maxed Mary
A girl named Mary who has reached her limit or maximum capacity in some aspect.
Delinquent girl
A female who is a lawbreaker or misbehaves often.
And all her angels on death row
Mary has companions who are also delinquents and are awaiting the death penalty.
Alcoholic Ann
A woman named Ann who is addicted to alcohol.
Violent girl
A female who is physically aggressive and prone to violence.
Another angel on death row
Ann has another acquaintance who is also a delinquent and is facing the death penalty.
Dangerous Dorothy
A female named Dorothy who poses a threat to others or is risky.
Citizen girl
A woman who is a member of a community and abides by its laws and regulations.
Beatific angel on death row
Dorothy has a companion who is angelic in some sense but is also on death row.
They thought they could change
The individuals discussed earlier attempted to reform themselves in some way.
But one thing's for sure
However, there is a definite truth that cannot be denied.
That all the angels never die
Despite their efforts, the companions on death row will never truly be eradicated or disappear completely from existence.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Sune Rose Wagner
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lastunicornx9860
I love this song! & I love this whole album!
My brother (who I credit for exposing me to some of my fav albums/music of all time) 'loaned' me the "Whip it on" CD because he was sure I would enjoy it.
Well, the first time I listened to it was in my car, & the CD got mysteriously STUCK in my CD player! (the first and only time that ever happened btw)
So for an entire Summer/Fall season {Maybe longer} this was my driving soundtrack. :D
Somehow, I never got tired of it! and would chose it over the shitty radio probably 98.6% of the time :). It kind of just got better and better... Then some days I'd be driven ppl around and make them listen to it really loudly lol and say things like "let's drive to Vegas right now and buy an old pistol!" . ..just for fun :} Then they would be asking me later that night who it was again so they could buy/download the music too {:
I do not remember how or when (or if?) the CD ever came out? But I was fortunate that it was this album.. I recall my brother being quite irritated though. ha! [True Story:]
@HoshJomme1
best band of the last 10 years
@bludice123
god i love them
@MzBsg999
this when they popped <3