Bad Company
Five Finger Death Punch
Embracing the Outlaw Life: Five Finger Death Punch's 'Bad Company'
Five Finger Death Punch's cover of 'Bad Company' is a hard-hitting rock anthem that delves into the themes of rebellion, identity, and the inevitability of death. The song, originally by the band Bad Company, has been reimagined to fit Five Finger Death Punch's heavier metal style, while retaining the core message of the original. The lyrics paint a picture of a person who has embraced a life on the fringes of society, symbolized by the 'company' that is always on the move and the 'destiny' that is likened to the rising sun—suggesting a new beginning or a constant state of change.
The protagonist in the song identifies with being 'bad company,' a term that implies a reputation for trouble and defiance. The repeated line 'Bad, bad company till the day I die' is a declaration of the protagonist's acceptance of their identity and the path they have chosen. The imagery of being born with 'a shotgun in my hands' and making a 'final stand' evokes a sense of combativeness and determination to maintain one's ground, even in the face of adversity or the end of life. The song's chorus is a powerful affirmation of self, with the protagonist owning their label without shame or regret.
The song also touches on themes of solidarity among those who live outside the norms, referred to as 'rebel souls' and 'deserters.' There's a sense of pride in their notoriety and the 'death punch sound' that has become their 'claim to fame.' The lyrics 'Eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, blood for blood' suggest a harsh code of retribution and survival, which is a common motif in stories about outlaws or antiheroes. The inevitability of death is acknowledged, but it's presented as a natural part of their existence, not something to be feared. Overall, 'Bad Company' by Five Finger Death Punch is a celebration of the outlaw spirit and a defiant stance against conformity.