Devils Island by Megadeth Lyrics Meaning – Unraveling the Ill-Fated Saga of Suffering and Retribution
Lyrics
Is blocked out by the key,
That locks the door to this hell,
The place they wanted me.
Time’s racing like the wind,
Execution’s near.
Oh Lord, I wait for death,
And yes, I have no fear.
I recall that night, my every breath,
And step along the way.
Closed my eyes, walking,
As danger paved the way.
The devil and the darkness
Let her evil wander free.
And here on Devil’s Island,
The final stop for me.
Devil’s Island! Devil’s Island!
Oh there’s no escape,
The sea is full of sharks.
The tides take you way
And smash you on the rocks.
The sun is shining,
But feel not today,
Its warmth, it’s dying,
And fading away.
Devil’s Island! Devil’s Island!
Oh hear the call,
From the grave beyond
Oh so pernicious,
Her soul could, it creates song.
As there is no man that is
Here upon the earth,
Able to terminate our
Noisome will since birth.
The priest that reads the sermons,
Is walking next to me,
To the stake, my last request,
To have her burn with me.
But so it did, the heavens opened,
Rain began to fall.
The final judgment came.
And was spread before you all.
Final Judgment!
Old, weak, and feeble,
But the lesson taught to me,
To stay away from evil,
She doesn’t care for me.
She haunts me in my sleep,
Though I tore that page away.
And here on Devil’s Island,
I’ll always have to stay.
Devil’s Island! Devil’s Island!
Here I am
Devil’s Island! Devil’s Island!
One of the most haunting tracks off Megadeth’s seminal 1985 album, ‘Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!’ is ‘Devil’s Island,’ a song that lays bare a tumultuous journey of fear, regret, and introspection. The song’s powerful narrative compels audiences to grapple with themes of imprisonment, condemnation, and the tireless search for redemption.
Peering beyond the surface, ‘Devils Island’ isn’t just a hard-hitting track that boasts Megadeth’s signature ferocity and sharp musicianship; it’s a narrative steeped in historical undertones, personal struggle, and deeply embedded in the human condition. As we dissect the lyrics and melodies, we unlock the layers of complexity that underscore the timeless relevance of this heavy metal ballad.
The Fateful Echoes from The Rock – A Descent into the Abyss
Megadeth’s ‘Devils Island’ transports listeners to the heart of a forsaken penal colony, which many believe to be inspired by the infamous Alcatraz. The lyrical journey submerges us immediately into the despair that clings to the cell’s wall, as the protagonist awaits execution with a stoic defiance, confronting death without flinching.
The fierce tempo and biting guitars serve as the perfect backdrop, encapsulating the whirlwind of emotions that one would experience in their final moments. The vivid storytelling leaves an indelible mark, as listeners can almost feel the cold floor and the chills that come with knowing that their fate is sealed.
Shackled Narratives – The Imprisonment of the Mind
A deeper look into the lyrics reveals that the shackles are not just literal but metaphorical too, as the song delves into the internal struggle and contemplation of a condemned soul. The repetition of the phrase ‘Devil’s Island’ reflects an inescapable mental prison where even in the absence of bars, the character’s demons remain.
The line ‘the sun is shining, but feel not today, its warmth, it’s dying, and fading away,’ suggests that even in the presence of life’s simplest pleasures, the insurmountable shadow of demise and guilt eclipses all light, capturing the complexity of the human psyche in moments of extreme duress.
Navigating the Sea of Judgment – The Immortal Perils
Juxtaposing the relentless attack of riffs with the dread of being cast into a shark-infested ocean, the lyrics paint a harrowing picture of escape attempts that end at the mercy of nature’s whim. It serves as a metaphor for the futile resistance against the forces that bind us to our fate, which in this case, is the inevitability of death and the rendering of a final judgment.
The recurring invocation of elemental forces throughout the song reminds us that, despite our own sense of control or righteousness, there are greater powers at play that govern the endgame of our morality and existence.
A Dance with the Diabolical – The Hidden Meaning
At its core, ‘Devils Island’ may be considered an exploration into the concept of evil and the repercussions of consorting with malevolent forces. The allusion to ‘the devil and the darkness’ allowing ‘her evil wander free’ signifies a broader commentary on the internal and external evils that dwell within society and the self.
As the narrative unfolds, the song illustrates the downfall of not just an individual, but potentially humanity as a totality. The chilling proclamation that no man on earth can terminate the ‘noisome will since birth’ suggests the innate struggle between our higher aspirations and our base, destructive impulses.
Lingering Specters and Haunted Verses – The Memorable Lines
The lyric ‘The priest that reads the sermons, is walking next to me, to the stake, my last request, to have her burn with me’ is filled with a vengeful yet resigned desperation. It’s a line that encapsulates the protagonist’s torturous journey, soliciting empathy and introspection in exploring how one’s final wish can still be tethered to the earth and its transgressions.
Moreover, the acknowledgment of being ‘Old, weak, and feeble’ and the admonishment to ‘stay away from evil,’ serves as an ominous admonition. This part of the song casts a dark chronicle of wisdom gleaned too late, shedding light on the inherent human frailty in the ethereal fight between good and evil.
