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Hammer
The Peculiar Pretzelmen Lyrics
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Hammer hammer nails
Go ahead and put me on that cross
Go ahead and put me on that cross
Cause I′d rather this than just
Being lost
You bowled me over like a train
I swore before to the lord and man and more
That I wouldn't never let this happen again
Hammer hammer nails
Hammer hammer nails
Go ahead and put me on your cross
Go ahead and put me on your cross
Cause I′d rather this than just
Being lost
I've been walking with a bullet in my side
I've been walking with a bullet in my side
Doctor said that I should′ve died
But my hearts still pumping so I guess I′m still alive
Hammer hammer nails
Hammer hammer nails
Go ahead and put me on your cross
Go ahead and put me on your cross
Cause I'd rather this than just
Being lost
That night you let me bleed to death
That night you let me bleed to death
I sat in the corner and I could′ve sworn
You laughed as i choked on my last breath
Hammer hammer nails
Hammer hammer nails
Go ahead and put me on your cross
Go ahead and put me on your cross
Cause I'd rather this than just
Being lost
The Peculiar Pretzelmen's song "Hammer" is a dark and poignant piece that speaks about the lengths one is willing to go through to avoid being lost in life. The repetition of "Hammer hammer nails, go ahead and put me on your cross" underscores the idea of sacrifice and punishment as necessary steps in discovering a deeper purpose for existence. The idea of being put on a cross is reminiscent of the story of Jesus Christ, where he sacrificed himself for the redemption of humanity. The repetition of the phrase seems to suggest that the singer of the song is willing to suffer a similar fate to achieve a similar end, rather than facing a life with no sense of direction.
The song's narrative takes a turn, however, when the singer descends into a story of betrayal and abandonment. The line "That night you let me bleed to death, I sat in the corner and I could've sworn you laughed as I choked on my last breath" hints at an act of violence and cruelty committed by a person the singer trusted deeply. The singer's willingness to be hammered and nailed to a cross earlier in the song now takes on a new meaning, as it becomes a symbol of the singer's desire for redemption and revenge.
Overall, "Hammer" is a visceral and haunting piece that explores the complex and often painful nature of a search for purpose and meaning in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Hammer Hammer nails
Repeating the phrase a few times for emphasis
Go ahead and put me on that cross
Willingly accepting suffering to avoid a fate worse than death
Cause I′d rather this than just
Choosing pain over uncertainty
Being lost
The fear of not knowing one's path
You bowled me over like a train
Getting blindsided and hurt
I swore before to the lord and man and more
Making promises to yourself and others
That I wouldn't never let this happen again
Saying you won't let the same harm happen again
I've been walking with a bullet in my side
Experiencing pain and living with it
Doctor said that I should′ve died
Having people doubt your chances of survival
But my hearts still pumping so I guess I′m still alive
Grateful for staying alive despite odds
That night you let me bleed to death
Being betrayed and left to suffer
I sat in the corner and I could′ve sworn
Feeling hopeless and helpless
You laughed as i choked on my last breath
Feeling like your tormentor/enemy is enjoying your suffering
Writer(s): Kevin Lacey
Contributed by Alexandra R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.