Gavels From Gun Barrels
Staple Lyrics

I felt my heart beating faster I never saw it coming!
The singer is caught off guard and startled by the events that have taken place.

Gavels from gun barrels expose me as far less than what I need to be.
The singer realizes that their actions have brought about their downfall and they are not the person they should be.

The sentencing will be dealt swiftly...It's too late to mend my treachery...
The singer knows that they will face the consequences of their actions and that it is too late to try to make up for their mistakes.

Shots ring out as my last mili-seconds unwind...
As the artist approaches death, they are acutely aware of the dwindling moments of their life.

Time bloats with fresh gun-smoke forcing me to review what I've done with my life
The artist reflects on their life as they face death and the haze of the gun smoke makes them feel as though time is stretching out.

Too late to change, too soon to die.
The singer acknowledges that they cannot change their fate and that they will die soon.

Life is still warm on my lips.
The singer is still clinging to life, but death is imminent.

What can I expect from all of this?
The artist wonders what will happen to them in the afterlife, now that they are facing death.

I'm trembling at the mighty feet of mercy - guilty; it's true, but no less sorry.
The artist is remorseful for their actions and hopes for mercy in the face of their guilt.

Too late to change, useless to weep for years of sin weighed on scales accurately.
The artist accepts that they cannot change the past and that they will be judged for the weight of their sins.

Interrogate, assassinate, take the lead for justice' sake.
The singer recognizes the importance of justice being served, even if it means they will face death.

Change of heart, repentant faith only count in mercy's wake...
The artist realizes that true change and repentance only matter if they are met with mercy.

I've debauched and deceived, and destroyed families... I've taken all.
The singer acknowledges the harm they have caused through their actions, including ruining families.

Given none, and received judgement from the objective eye of a gun.
The singer has not given any mercy themselves and now faces the unmerciful judgement of death.

I'm guilty, it's true, but remorseful, no less. I'm sorry!
The singer repeats their remorsefulness and acknowledges their guilt.

What becomes of me, but death deserved, received?
The artist knows that death is a fitting consequence for their actions.

What of a crooked man's desperate plea seeking The Good Judge's mercy?
The artist wonders if their plea for mercy will be heard by a higher power.

He loved the loveable and the unlovely, the decadent and the holy.
The singer invokes the idea of a higher power who loves all, regardless of their actions or morality.

He made a way for the pope and he made a way for me...
The singer finds hope that they too may find mercy and redemption from a higher power, just as holy figures may find it.

FALLEN FROM HELL AND INTO YOUR ARMS...
The artist acknowledges their downfall and hopes to find solace in a higher power.

BLESSED MYSTERY THAT YOU HELD ON...
The artist finds comfort in the idea that a higher power has held onto them despite their flawed nature.

FALLEN FROM DEATH, LANDING AT YOUR FEET...
The artist hopes for salvation and acceptance in the afterlife.

AMAZING GRACE SO SWEET.
The singer celebrates the idea of grace and redemption, even in the face of death.

I'm finding out what it truly means to die - too late to change, too soon to die.
The artist is coming to terms with their impending death and the fact that they cannot change their fate.