Old

Machine Head's song 'Old' delves into themes of defiance, corruption, and the rejection of religious dogma. The lyrics are steeped in dark imagery and metaphors that challenge traditional beliefs and highlight the destructive nature of greed and hypocrisy. The narrator positions himself as a powerful, almost demonic figure who has reigned for 6000 years, symbolizing an ancient and enduring force of rebellion against the sacred and the holy. The line 'drank the blood of holy swine' suggests a perverse inversion of religious rituals, turning purity into impurity and mocking the sanctity of holy symbols.

The recurring phrase 'Old man, dead hand' can be interpreted as a critique of outdated and oppressive religious institutions that continue to exert control over people's lives. The 'dead hand' symbolizes the lingering influence of these institutions, which the narrator seeks to destroy. The mention of 'Jesus wept' adds a layer of blasphemy and sorrow, implying that even the figure of Jesus is mourning the corruption and greed that have tainted his teachings. This line also serves to underscore the emotional weight of the song's message, as it juxtaposes the divine with the profane.

The chorus, with its defiant declaration 'You got no crown of thorns on me,' reinforces the narrator's rejection of religious suffering and martyrdom. The imagery of burning eyes and being buried alive conveys a sense of persecution and resistance, as the narrator refuses to be subdued or stripped of his power. This song is a powerful statement against the manipulation and exploitation inherent in religious and societal structures, urging listeners to question and resist the forces that seek to control them.