Only Hell Knows
Vader Lyrics


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Once upon the time
The Gods need a change
Dethrone or destroy
Just to kill the silence

Above or below
By fire or by Sword
So human feelings
Like hate or disgrace
Why a need to kill, to fight, burn, enslave
Why a need to die...

Only Hell knows

Banners flutter proud
The armour is ready
No forgiveness, no mercy
Go now and kill them all!!!

Once upon the time
The Gods go to war
Punish or revenge
Just to show the power

Above or below
By fire or by sword
Obscure feelings
Like faith or treason
Why a need to crush, to grind or disembowel
Why a need to rape, to crucify
Why a need to raise, to fly, dictate and rule
Why a need to fall





Only Hell knows

Overall Meaning

The song "Only Hell Knows" by Vader is a powerful commentary on the nature of war and conflict. The lyrics speak to the idea that even the divinities themselves have waged war with one another at times, and that this drive to dominate and destroy is inherent in human nature as well. The opening lines of the song suggest that there is a restlessness at the heart of things, that the gods need a change, and that they are willing to use violence to achieve this. The repetition of the phrase "Above or below / By fire or by sword" underscores the idea that no matter where one looks, conflict is always present.


As the song progresses, the lyrics become more pointed and direct. The descriptions of banners fluttering and armor being donned suggest the preparations for war, and the lines "No forgiveness, no mercy / Go now and kill them all!!!" underscore the violent nature of this activity. The final verse of the song is perhaps the most reflective, as it describes the gods themselves going to war, punishing or seeking revenge to assert their power. Again, the repeated question "Why a need to..." underscores the irrationality and destructive nature of the human impulse toward violence and conflict.


Line by Line Meaning

Once upon the time
In the past, there was a certain event or situation that took place


The Gods need a change
The divine beings desire something new, different or improved


Dethrone or destroy
Either remove from power or completely eradicate


Just to kill the silence
Simply to have action or movement, rather than stillness or inactivity


Above or below
Higher up or lower down


By fire or by Sword
Through deadly force or violence


So human feelings
Emotions that are characteristic of humans


Like hate or disgrace
Examples of negative feelings


Why a need to kill, to fight, burn, enslave
Why is there an impulse to harm or control others?


Why a need to die...
Why do people willingly sacrifice or risk their lives?


Only Hell knows
The answer to these questions is unknown or unknowable


Banners flutter proud
Flags are confidently waving


The armour is ready
The protective gear is prepared for battle


No forgiveness, no mercy
There will be no compassion or leniency


Go now and kill them all!!!
Attack and eliminate every last one of them


The Gods go to war
The divine beings engage in a violent conflict


Punish or revenge
Either discipline for wrongdoing or seeking retribution


Just to show the power
Simply to display superiority, authority or strength


Obscure feelings
Emotions that are ambiguous or unclear


Like faith or treason
Examples of complex or controversial feelings


Why a need to crush, to grind or disembowel
Why is there a desire to do extreme harm, mutilation or destruction?


Why a need to rape, to crucify
Why is there a desire to cause intense physical and psychological pain?


Why a need to raise, to fly, dictate and rule
Why is there a drive to exert control, influence and authority over others?


Why a need to fall
Why is there a fascination with failure, downfall or destruction?


Only Hell knows
The answer to these questions is unknown or unknowable




Contributed by Mackenzie O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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