Dead Man Walking
War Rocket Ajax Lyrics
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Rockin' out like were in a rage.
I ain't here for no mess around.
There ain't no grave gonna hold this corpse down.
I've heard the rumors I've heard the lies.
Lame excuses and alibis.
You can laugh you can put me down.
Don't you try and judge me.
By what you've seen on t.v.
Every day I meet death and it kicks me when I'm down.
Dead man walking around.
Laugh it up behind my back.
The clothes I wear and my faith don't match.
I ain't no good so you've heard tell.
But Jesus Christ done saved my soul from hell.
The lyrics of War Rocket Ajax's song Dead Man Walking present an empowering and confident perspective of a person who has been through a lot but has come out victorious. The opening lines of the song, "Black leather up on the stage, rockin' out like we're in a rage," immediately set the tone of the song as one of strength and determination. The singer declares that they are not here to mess around and that no grave can hold them down, indicating that they have been through difficult times but have overcome them.
The second verse addresses the singer's detractors, who have spread rumors and told lies about them. However, the singer is not concerned with their judgment and proudly proclaims their longevity and experience. They defy being judged by what others have seen on TV and point out that they face death every day, yet they continue to persevere. The chorus repeats the title phrase, "dead man walking around," signifying the singer's unbreakable spirit and resilience.
The final verse directly addresses those who have mocked and ridiculed the singer for their appearance and religious beliefs. The singer acknowledges that others may have labeled them as "no good," but they have been saved by Jesus Christ. This final line brings the theme of the song full circle, as the singer's faith has carried them through difficult times and allowed them to prevail despite the adversity they have faced.
Line by Line Meaning
Black leather up on the stage.
I am wearing black leather and performing on stage as if I am in a fit of rage.
Rockin' out like were in a rage.
I am rocking out on stage as if I am fueled by anger and aggression.
I ain't here for no mess around.
I am not here to play games or waste time, I am serious.
There ain't no grave gonna hold this corpse down.
Even though I may die someday, I will never truly be gone or forgotten.
I've heard the rumors I've heard the lies.
I have been told untrue stories and deceitful information about myself.
Lame excuses and alibis.
People have made up pathetic excuses and explanations for their actions or behavior towards me.
You can laugh you can put me down.
You can try to make fun of me, insult me, or degrade me.
But the fact is I've been around.
The truth is, I have lived and experienced more than you know.
Don't you try and judge me.
Do not attempt to form a critical opinion of me based solely on what you have seen or heard.
By what you've seen on t.v.
Do not make assumptions or judgments about me based on what you have seen on television or in the media.
Every day I meet death and it kicks me when I'm down.
I face death and despair on a daily basis and it wears me down.
Dead man walking around.
I am like a dead man walking, feeling empty and soulless.
Laugh it up behind my back.
You may think it is funny to talk poorly of me when I am not around.
The clothes I wear and my faith don't match.
My religious beliefs may not align with my fashion choices or outward appearance.
I ain't no good so you've heard tell.
You may have heard rumors or gossip that paints me in a negative light.
But Jesus Christ done saved my soul from hell.
Despite my flaws and imperfections, I believe that my soul has been saved by Jesus Christ and will not be sent to Hell in the afterlife.
Contributed by Vivian N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.