In The Beginning

Mötley Crüe's 'In The Beginning' serves as a foreboding prelude to their song 'Shout at the Devil.' The lyrics paint a grim picture of a world where good once triumphed over evil, but over time, the balance has shifted. The opening lines suggest a time when morality and righteousness were dominant forces, but as nations weakened and cities deteriorated, evil gained strength. This sets the stage for a narrative of decay and corruption, where the forces of darkness have taken hold.

The imagery of 'the dusts of hell' and 'the blackest of hates' evokes a sense of deep-seated malevolence lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike. The reference to 'he whom they feared' suggests a powerful, almost mythical antagonist who embodies this evil. This figure's presence is a constant threat, a reminder of the darkness that has overtaken the world. The lyrics convey a sense of inevitability, as if the downfall of society was preordained and unstoppable.

As the song progresses, it describes a desolate landscape filled with 'corpses of rebels,' 'ashes of dreams,' and 'bloodstained streets.' This apocalyptic vision underscores the consequences of allowing evil to flourish unchecked. However, the final lines offer a glimmer of hope. The phrase 'those who have the youth have the future' implies that the younger generation holds the key to reversing this decline. By calling on the 'children of the beast' to be strong and 'Shout at the Devil,' the song encourages rebellion against the forces of darkness, suggesting that redemption and change are still possible if the youth rise up and take action.