Dead Man Walking
Sleep Serapis Sleep! Lyrics

The lyrics of Sleep Serapis Sleep!'s "Dead Man Walking" speak of a person who has lost their virtue and has been condemned, yet manages to face their fate with courage. The first line "Virtue left him by the wayside" indicates that the person has somehow lost their moral compass. The use of the word “wayside” implies that this happened at some point during his journey, that he was or has been on a road, and his virtue was left behind somewhere along the way. The next line "And lent his crown to the condemned" suggests that the person was a ruler or a leader of some sort who, due to his lack of virtue, lost his position and passed it on to someone who is now condemned or facing punishment. The line is also biblical references to where Jesus was given a crown of thorns when he was crucified.

However, despite these misfortunes and challenges, the person in the song still manages to stand up against their fate. The lyrics say “against the odds he withstood his fate”, which indicates that the person has a great strength of character in order to withstand whatever trials come their way. The repetition of the first line emphasizes the loss of virtue and the impact this has had on the person's life, while the chorus, comprised solely of the words "Dead Man Walking", hint at the person's impending doom and the inevitability of their fate.

In conclusion, the lyrics of "Dead Man Walking" describe a person who has lost their virtue, given up their position as a leader, and is facing a dire fate, yet still manages to hold onto their courage and strength.