Resurrection Men

Bruce Dickinson's 'Resurrection Men' delves into themes of life, death, and the eternal struggle for meaning and existence. The song's title and lyrics evoke the historical concept of 'resurrection men,' who were grave robbers in the 19th century, exhuming bodies for medical research. However, Dickinson uses this imagery metaphorically to explore deeper existential questions and the human condition.

The opening lines, 'In this ancient code we're pulled apart / I am the wizard of your heart,' suggest a mystical and almost alchemical relationship between life and death. The 'wizard' could symbolize a figure with the power to manipulate life forces, hinting at the eternal quest for immortality. The lyrics 'We're ecstasy on respirators / Breathing cosmic incubators' paint a picture of life sustained artificially, perhaps critiquing modern attempts to extend life through technology.

The recurring refrain, 'We're resurrection men / And the point of death will take you to the end,' underscores the inevitability of death despite humanity's efforts to overcome it. The mention of 'Lazarus,' a biblical figure resurrected by Jesus, adds a layer of religious and mythological significance, suggesting that even miraculous returns from death are fraught with existential dread. The song's narrative voice, claiming to 'live in hell' and being 'connected' to demons, reflects a tortured existence, caught between life and death, unable to find peace in either.

In 'Resurrection Men,' Dickinson masterfully blends historical, religious, and existential themes to create a haunting meditation on the human condition. The song challenges listeners to confront their own mortality and the lengths to which they might go to escape it, only to find that eternity may not offer the solace they seek.