Heads Will Hang

Fit For An Autopsy's song "Heads Will Hang" is a powerful critique of war, societal indifference, and the consequences of neglect. The lyrics paint a grim picture of a world where death and destruction are omnipresent, symbolized by the phrase "Death's breath on the back of our neck." The imagery of blood flowing in floods and the bitter taste of it underscores the violence and suffering that permeate the song. The band suggests that humanity has not earned its peace and is instead embroiled in self-centered catastrophes, leading to a cycle of endless nights and inevitable downfall, as indicated by the "writing on the wall."

The song also delves into the manipulation of religion and prophecy to justify war. The repeated line, "War is now the will of your God," highlights how divine will is often invoked to legitimize conflict, with prophets' hands stained by the bloodshed they endorse. This manipulation leads to a world where antiheroes are celebrated, and life is reduced to mere data points, devoid of humanity. The threat becomes real when people can feel the pain of others, yet voices of reason are silenced, and the cycle of violence continues.

The latter part of the song introduces characters like the soul seller, fortune teller, and plague bearer, representing various facets of societal decay. The fog of confusion and deception won't lift, and the privileged are safeguarded from the pain that others endure. This indifference is paid in blood, with all hands stained by the consequences of inaction and complicity. The tightening grip of oppression is likened to a noose, and when the chair is kicked out, heads will hang, symbolizing the ultimate price of this collective failure. The song is a stark reminder of the cost of war, indifference, and the moral decay that accompanies them.