Meaning of Live by the Sword by The Rolling Stones (ft. Elton John)
“Live by the Sword” by The Rolling Stones (featuring Elton John) employs a well-known adage, “live by the sword, die by the sword”, which signifies that one’s actions, especially violent or harmful ones, will come back to them. This proverb has Biblical origins, highlighting the consequences of one’s actions.
The lyrics emphasize that every life choice comes with its respective consequences. Whether it’s violence (“If you live by the gun, you gonna die by the gun”), revenge, cruelty, or even superficial pursuits like wealth and fashion, there’s always a repercussion. The song warns of the inevitable fallout of one’s choices.
Between these warnings, there’s a recurring promise: “I’m gonna treat you right / I’m gonna treat you good”. This can be interpreted in several ways. It could be a personal mantra of the singer, emphasizing that regardless of how others behave, they will strive to act morally. It could also be a counterpoint to the previous lines, suggesting that the right way to live is to treat others well.
Overall, the song serves as a cautionary tale, urging listeners to think about their actions and the inevitable consequences. It emphasizes the cyclical nature of actions and consequences, suggesting that what you put out into the world, good or bad, will come back to you.
What does the Bible mean by “live by the sword, die by the sword”?
The phrase “live by the sword, die by the sword” comes from the New Testament of the Bible. Specifically, it’s found in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 26:52), where Jesus speaks these words to one of his disciples. In context, Jesus and his disciples are in the Garden of Gethsemane when a crowd comes to arrest Jesus. One of the disciples (traditionally understood to be Peter) draws a sword and cuts off the ear of the high priest’s servant. In response to this act of violence, Jesus says:
“Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.”
Jesus’ statement reflects a broader principle that violent actions often lead to violent consequences. In this specific context, Jesus was emphasizing the importance of non-violence and the dangers of resorting to violent means. Additionally, Jesus knew that his arrest, trial, and subsequent crucifixion were all part of a divine plan, and he did not want his disciples to resist it, especially through violent means.
The saying has been adopted in wider culture beyond its biblical context to mean that those who live a violent lifestyle or who rely on violence as a means to an end are likely to fall victim to that same violence.
Release of “Live by the Sword”
This track was released as part of the band’s studio album, “Hackney Diamonds”, on 20th October, 2023.
