Nailed To the Cross

Destruction's 'Nailed To the Cross' is a powerful critique of organized religion, particularly Christianity, and its historical and ongoing misuse of power. The song opens with vivid imagery of death and decay, setting a dark and foreboding tone. The 'cold wind of death' and 'scary final breath' evoke a sense of inevitable mortality, which is then juxtaposed with the idea of fear being used as a tool of control. This sets the stage for the song's central theme: the manipulation of fear by religious institutions to maintain power and control over people.

The chorus is particularly scathing, referring to the 'book of God' as a 'book of lies' and condemning the death of religious heroes as bringing 'a 1,000 cries.' This suggests a deep disillusionment with the promises of salvation and the moral authority claimed by religious figures. The repetition of 'Nailed to the cross' serves as a stark reminder of the crucifixion, but in this context, it is used to symbolize the betrayal and failure of religious institutions to live up to their own teachings.

The song also touches on the historical misuse of religious symbols for violent and unholy aims. The 'sign of the cross' is described as a 'sign of war,' highlighting how religious symbols have been co-opted for purposes far removed from their original, sacred meanings. The lyrics accuse 'greedy bastards with blood on their hands' of hiding behind the facade of the church, further emphasizing the hypocrisy and moral corruption within religious institutions. Destruction's aggressive musical style, characterized by fast tempos and heavy guitar riffs, amplifies the song's message, making it a visceral and impactful critique of religious hypocrisy and the abuse of power.