Poacher's Pride

Nicole Dollanganger's song 'Poacher's Pride' delves into the haunting and macabre themes of guilt, sin, and the consequences of one's actions. The lyrics tell the story of someone who has committed a grievous act—shooting an angel with their father's rifle. This act of violence against a symbol of purity and divinity sets the tone for the rest of the song, as the narrator grapples with the weight of their actions.

The imagery in the song is stark and unsettling. The angel, once a celestial being, is reduced to a lifeless trophy, hung on the wall like a piece of taxidermy. This act of turning something sacred into a mere object reflects a deep sense of desecration and loss. The angel's presence in the backyard, on the clothing line, and pinned above the bed like a crucifix further emphasizes the narrator's struggle with their conscience and the inescapable nature of their guilt.

The song also explores the inevitability of retribution. The narrator acknowledges that 'hell will catch up with me' and that they will 'burn eternally.' This sense of impending doom and the certainty of punishment highlight the moral consequences of their actions. The final verse, where the angel is dragged to the basement and starved, underscores the narrator's complete descent into darkness and the 'sickness of poacher’s pride.' Dollanganger's haunting vocals and the eerie, minimalist instrumentation amplify the song's chilling atmosphere, making 'Poacher's Pride' a poignant exploration of sin, guilt, and the human capacity for cruelty.