Killing Floor

Emma Ruth Rundle's song "Killing Floor" delves into themes of despair, redemption, and the cyclical nature of suffering. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who has experienced profound loss and emptiness, as indicated by phrases like "a heart so hollow" and "skin like tallow." The imagery of light falling from one's eyes and the finality of a "last call" suggests a moment of ultimate despair or even death. Yet, there is a glimmer of hope as the song speaks of rising up from sin, hinting at the possibility of redemption and renewal.

The repeated references to the "killing floor" evoke a sense of a place where suffering and death are inevitable. This term historically refers to the area in a slaughterhouse where animals are killed, but in the context of the song, it symbolizes a place of ultimate suffering and despair. The plea to "make room on the killing floor" suggests a resigned acceptance of this suffering, yet also a call for transformation. The lyrics imply that the protagonist has been revived before, indicating a cycle of falling into despair and being brought back to life, only to face the same struggles again.

The song's climax comes with the repeated exhortation to "move your body from this place" and "move your body to heaven," culminating in the evocative line, "I can taste Elysian Fields." The Elysian Fields, in Greek mythology, are a paradise for the souls of the heroic and virtuous. This suggests a longing for escape from the cycle of suffering and a desire for a transcendent, peaceful afterlife. The song ultimately balances themes of despair and hope, portraying a journey through suffering towards the possibility of redemption and peace.