The Devil And The Huntsman

Sam Lee's 'The Devil And The Huntsman' is a haunting ballad that delves into themes of fate, nature, and the supernatural. The song tells the story of a young man who returns from hunting, exhausted and afflicted by an unknown ailment. The lyrics immediately set a somber tone, with the young man asking for his bed to be made, feeling the grip of the 'woody nightshade,' a plant known for its toxic properties. This reference to nightshade symbolizes the creeping, inevitable nature of his fate, hinting at a deeper, more sinister force at play.

The song continues to explore the idea of inescapable destiny through the imagery of the 'mage's moon' and the 'devil's path.' The young man acknowledges that his demise is not something that can be easily avoided or fought off with physical strength ('not by bone, but yet by blade'). Instead, it is a fate sealed by supernatural forces, suggesting that his suffering and eventual death are part of a larger, mystical design. The mention of fire 'forged in flame' as a means to drown the huntsman's pain further emphasizes the idea that only something equally powerful and otherworldly can counteract the devil's influence.

Ultimately, the young man's death under the 'hunter's moon' signifies the culmination of his tragic fate. The song's closing lines, where a father is advised to stay safe from the devil's path, serve as a poignant reminder of the ever-present danger of straying into the realms of the supernatural. Sam Lee's evocative storytelling and use of rich, folkloric imagery create a powerful narrative that resonates with themes of inevitability, the natural world, and the unseen forces that shape our lives.