Slaves
Wolves At The Gate Lyrics

I saw these chains locked on my wrists
The singer is describing their physical bondage, highlighting the chains on their wrists that are symbolic of the control their captors have over them.

Around my neck no shackles missed
The singer further describes their bondage, noting that there were no details missed by their captors.

I'd try to shake them off and flee
Despite being shackled, the singer still yearns to be free and will do whatever it takes to achieve that goal.

No where to go without a key
The artist realizes that, without the right tools, their efforts to escape will ultimately prove futile.

Awoke my eyes drew the first breath
The artist describes being born into slavery, with their first breath representing the beginning of their lifelong struggle for freedom.

New to the world but not to death
Despite being a new arrival, the singer is already aware that their life is in constant danger due to the circumstances of their captivity.

This plan devised in secrecy
The singer has a specific plan in mind for their escape, but it must be kept secret in order to be effective.

May take my life or set me free
The artist acknowledges that their escape attempt could end in either success or death.

No more to work this simple life
The artist is longing for a simple and peaceful life, free from the burden of forced labor and enslavement.

To toil only met with strife
The artist has found that their attempts to work and cooperate within the system of their enslavement have only led to hardship and suffering.

The evening still and passed the sun
The singer is waiting for the cover of darkness to make their escape, with the setting sun marking the beginning of that opportunity.

The night crept in my chance to run
The artist takes advantage of the darkness to make their escape from their captors.

I wait for dark! I wait for dark!
The singer is emphasizing the importance of waiting for nightfall before trying to flee.

My feet be quick for this racing heart
The singer is nervous and afraid, but recognizes the need for speed in order to escape.

Come morning's light will the chasing start
The singer knows that, once daylight arrives, their captors will be hot on their heels in pursuit.

With the fear of pursuit comes a fear of the flight
The artist is anxious about the danger of their escape, knowing that if they're caught or killed, their efforts may have been in vain.

And if I stop they will shoot so I continue to hide
The artist is aware that they must keep moving and stay out of sight or face the consequence of being shot on sight.

In the cover of the night
The singer feels more safe and protected in the darkness, which offers a shield from their captors' gaze.

At morning's light the darkness gone
As the sun comes up, the singer's chance to make their escape disappears with the arrival of daylight.

I see the distance fade
The artist is aware that their chances of freedom are shrinking as they are overtaken by their captors.

I take to flight my fears withdrawn
Despite their fear, the artist is aware that they must continue running if they want to survive.

my heart is now betrayed
The artist feels a sense of disappointment at their failed escape attempt and the betrayal of their own heart's desires.

Set me free! Set me free!
The singer is still fighting for their freedom and autonomy from their captors.

Hammer these chains and set me free!
The artist is literally calling for help to break their physical bonds and free them from slavery.

Break these chains! Break these chains!
The singer is desperate for a release from their physical and emotional chains.

Unbind my hands and pardon me!
The singer is asking for mercy and forgiveness, seeking release from what they see as unjust punishment.

Ran all this way with the hope this pain would now release, finally cease
The singer has been running for freedom for so long, they can't help but hope that their escape would bring them peace at last.

What is this freedom if I haven't peace?
The artist is questioning the value of freedom if it doesn't bring an end to their internal suffering and unrest.

Serpent you lied and you told me to run
The artist is placing the blame for their situation on a nefarious force, seeing themselves as being led astray by lies and deceit.

I haven't found repose for I still am undone
The singer has yet to find true rest or relief from their troubles and fears.

This isn't life! This can't be it!
The singer is convinced that life under enslavement is not a true, fulfilling existence.

I've run so far away yet none of the pieces will fit
The artist is struggling to find a place in the world where they belong and feel safe, despite being physically distant from their captors.

I couldn't see, I should have known!
The artist recognizes that their situation is partially their own fault and that they should have been able to plot a better course for their life.

This peace abounds at my Master's home
The artist believes that they will find peace and fulfillment by following a higher calling or joining a new community.

Now my heart be still or these feet will fall
The singer recognizes the need for inner peace and calm in order to achieve their goals, acknowledging that frenzied thoughts and actions may be their downfall.

All for the will of the Master's call
The artist has submitted their will to a higher power, recognizing that their efforts towards freedom are ultimately in service to a greater good.

Shown the true light against the dawn
The singer has been enlightened and has found a new path thanks to a divine force or new teacher that has entered their life.

my debt has now been paid
The singer is aware that they have been forgiven for past mistakes or sins and that they are free to start anew.

I was lost to save
The singer may have felt truly lost in the past, but now realizes that their escape was the only chance to achieve their true purpose in life.

For I'm the Master's slave
The artist has willingly submitted themselves to a new, higher calling and authority, but with the knowledge that this new arrangement is more fulfilling and just than their previous life in slavery.

No looking back I'm running
The artist has found a new purpose and is willing to pursue it fully, moving forward without fear or regret.

Running with all my might
The singer is now pursuing a new path with fervor and energy, using all that they have to achieve their new goals.

Running to the true Light
The singer is moving towards an enlightened destination with the full knowledge and intention of embracing this new calling and way of life.

I saw these chains fall to my feet
The artist has overcome their previous enslavement and feels free, with the once-physical chains now symbolic of their former, constricted life.

I stand amazed at this work complete
The artist is in awe of the process that has led them to their current situation and is grateful for all that has transpired.

These chains not Yours they were my own
The artist recognizes that their previous enslavement was more about their own insecurities and fears than about any physical constraints.

"Now run no more my son, come home"
The singer has received divine intervention or encouragement in the pursuit of their new path, with their freedom and purpose now secure.