The band started under the moniker Force of Habit and had one song on the 'Voice of Thousands' compilation album, released by Conversion Records in 1990/91. Soon there after the band changed the name to Ringworm. Human Furnace also plays for his side project, Holy Ghost, Chris Dora is a member of death/thrash Metal band Soulless and John Comprix plays for Power/Heavy Metal band Beyond Fear. Ringworm has two demos and four full-length albums. There is a CD called 'Flatline' which was released by the German hardcore label, Lost & Found, who was notorious for bootlegging artists material without consent. All the songs found on both demos were later re-recorded and used on albums.
Hangman
Ringworm Lyrics
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The lyrics to Ringworm’s song “Hangman” paint a picture of unease and foreboding, with a sinister hangman figure at the forefront. The opening line “Hangman, why are you so cold?” implies a lack of empathy or humanity on the part of the hangman, who represents death and destruction. The burning desire to have what we can’t hold suggests a yearning for something that is unattainable, perhaps life itself. The hangman is unable to see the consequences of his actions, as he is too focused on his own purpose. The repetition of the phrase “we hate for a reason” emphasizes the idea that there is a motivation behind the hate, as if it were a necessary evil.
The lyrics also touch on themes of strength, conviction, and suffering. The line “in the absence of reason, I carry this cross” suggests that the singer is struggling with their own personal burdens, while others are dying around them. The image of “circles of fire” and “serpents of deceit” further emphasize the sense of danger and betrayal. The chorus repeats the question “Hangman, why are you so cold?” as if the singer is trying to understand the hangman’s motives, but ultimately finds no answers. The final lines “we are legion. We are one” suggest a sense of unity amongst those who suffer at the hands of the hangman.
Line by Line Meaning
Hangman, why are you so cold?
Asking why the hangman seems emotionless despite the pain he inflicts.
The burning desire to have what we can't hold
Feeling a strong urge to possess things beyond our reach.
Changing direction, hangman can't you see?
Wondering if the hangman is aware of the harm he is causing.
We hate for a reason. We sharpen our teeth strength and conviction.
Justifying the hate, anger and violence directed at others.
Heaven beneath. I've been forced to be.
Feeling trapped in a dark, dangerous and unpleasant situation.
Return what's given to me
Demanding restitution for what has been taken away.
Hangman, they're all dying at your feet in circles of fire. Serpents of deceit
Describing the hangman's victims as helpless, consumed by their own lies and deceptions.
No admiration for what I have lost in the absence of reason, I carry this cross carry this cross.
Resenting the fact that they have suffered losses without any explanation, and enduring the consequences.
In the sky I spit this venom in your path of jaded wisdom now, hangman I see.
The artist feels a sense of clarity and rebellion against the hangman's tyranny.
It's you. It's me the midnight sun. We are legion. We are one
Realizing that they and the hangman are linked and intertwined, part of the same darkness and tragedy.
Hangman, why are you so cold? The burning desire the have what we can't hold
Repeating the opening lines, reiterating the sense of frustration and hostility towards the hangman.
Hangman, they're all dying at your feet in circles of fire. Serpents of deceit we hate for a reason. We sharpen our teeth strength and conviction. Heaven beneath
Repeating an earlier verse, driving home the violent and vengeful nature of their feelings.
Contributed by Makayla R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.