The Hunt

New Model Army's song 'The Hunt' delves into the dark and gritty world of vigilante justice. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a group of individuals taking the law into their own hands, driven by a deep sense of personal vendetta and societal frustration. The narrative follows the protagonist and their companions as they scour the city, searching for a figure responsible for causing harm to their loved ones and others. This relentless pursuit is fueled by a desire for retribution, bypassing traditional legal systems and procedures.

The song's imagery is stark and evocative, capturing the seedy underbelly of urban life. References to 'back street cellar dive drinking clubs,' 'discotheques,' and 'gaming pubs' set the scene for a nocturnal hunt through the city's hidden corners. The lyrics highlight the failure of societal institutions to protect the vulnerable, with lines like 'There are lasses getting trouble on their own home beat' and 'There are old folk battered in the open street.' This sense of abandonment by the authorities justifies the protagonist's decision to seek justice outside the law.

The chorus, with its repeated refrain of 'No police, no summons, no courts of law,' underscores the theme of extrajudicial action. The song suggests that waiting for conventional justice is futile, and that sometimes, individuals must take matters into their own hands to achieve a sense of closure and justice. This message resonates with the frustration and disillusionment felt by those who perceive the legal system as ineffective or corrupt. 'The Hunt' is a powerful commentary on the lengths to which people will go when they feel justice has been denied, and it raises important questions about morality, legality, and the human desire for retribution.