The Black Death
Rekuiem Lyrics
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hear me call
rats come running
men will fall
all of europe
will live in fright
so close your doors
get out of sight tonight
at deaths door
by the score
watch them fall
black death
everybody
bring out your dead
grown men cry
in fear they tread
the ring of roses
to sneeze means death
the end of life
one final breath for you
you can't see me
touch or hear me
can't come near me
tremble, fear me
tonight
i bite
can't fight
my might
the 14th century
one in three men dead
it's over now
and little is said
today it's warfare
that threatens men
pray to god
the plague won't come again
in your keeping
The lyrics to Rekuiem's song "The Black Death" paint a haunting picture of Europe during the time when the bubonic plague ravaged the continent in the 14th century. The first verse warns of the imminent danger, as the singer urges listeners to take shelter from the rats that carry the disease. The second verse describes the devastating effects of the plague, with people falling by the score and cries of fear filling the air. The third verse introduces the sinister presence of the plague itself, which is portrayed as a terrifying and unstoppable force that inspires shudders and disarms all who cross its path.
The chorus is particularly unnerving, as it depicts the relentless spread of the disease and the fear and panic it provoked. The image of the ring of roses, which is believed to have symbolized the disease at the time, is a particularly powerful one, suggesting that even the most innocent things can become deadly in the face of the plague. The final verse offers a somber reflection on the continuing threat of warfare and other forms of destruction, while lamenting the fact that little is said or done about the plague that devastated Europe so long ago.
Overall, "The Black Death" is a sobering and haunting reminder of one of the most devastating pandemics in human history, and a reflection on the ways in which fear and death can shape our understanding of the world.
Line by Line Meaning
the time is near
The outbreak of the Black Death is imminent
hear me call
Pay attention to the impending disaster
rats come running
The carriers of the plague, rats, will soon spread it
men will fall
Countless people, regardless of status, will succumb to the disease
all of europe
The entirety of Europe is at risk
will live in fright
People will be terrified for their own lives and those of their loved ones
so close your doors
To protect yourself, stay indoors and shut out the world
get out of sight tonight
Do not venture out and risk exposure to the outbreak
at deaths door
The afflicted are on the brink of death
by the score
People are dying in large numbers
watch them fall
Witness the tragic death of numerous individuals
black death
The deadly and infectious disease that is ravaging the land
everybody
Everyone, regardless of age or status, is affected by the outbreak
bring out your dead
The mortality rate is so high that dead bodies must be collected and disposed of
grown men cry
Even the strong and brave are emotionally overwhelmed
in fear they tread
People are terrified to leave their homes
the ring of roses
A common and tragic symptom, where individuals experience a red circular rash on their body
to sneeze means death
The disease is so contagious that something as simple as sneezing can lead to death
the end of life
The Black Death marks an unfortunate and untimely end for many
one final breath for you
Death will come quickly and without warning
you can't see me
The disease is invisible and cannot be detected with the naked eye
touch or hear me
The disease cannot be felt or heard
can't come near me
Despite its deadly nature, the disease cannot be physically encountered
tremble, fear me
The disease instills fear and terror in all who are aware of it
tonight
At this moment in time
i bite
The disease spreads quickly by infecting its victims
can't fight
There is no known cure for the disease
my might
The plague is all-powerful and takes hold quickly
the 14th century
The time period in which the Black Death occurred
one in three men dead
An astonishingly high mortality rate, where 1 out of every 3 individuals did not survive
it's over now
The epidemic has come to an end
and little is said
Despite its devastating impact, the Black Death is not widely talked about today
today it's warfare
Modern-day threats come in the form of conflict and war
that threatens men
Violence and war put individuals at risk of harm and death
pray to god
Hope for divine intervention and protection
the plague won't come again
Pray that another outbreak of the Black Death never occurs
in your keeping
Place faith and trust in God for protection and safety
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Steve Slater
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind