Beggars And Hangers On

Slash's Snakepit's song 'Beggars And Hangers On' delves into the emotional turmoil of unrequited love and the subsequent feelings of despair and helplessness. The protagonist is in love with someone who is promised to a wealthy man, creating a stark contrast between love and material wealth. The lyrics poignantly ask whether the commitment is a 'noose or a wedding band,' suggesting that the relationship may feel more like a trap than a union of love.

The song also explores the protagonist's mental and emotional state, marked by 'nervous twitchin'' and a sense of falling to pieces. This imagery vividly captures the agony of being unable to be with the one they love. The repeated plea for divine intervention to rid this feeling underscores the depth of their despair. The chorus introduces the concept of 'beggars and hangers-on,' who are seen as external forces trying to take the loved one away, further complicating the protagonist's emotional landscape.

As the song progresses, the protagonist comes to a realization that they don't need the person they long for, acknowledging that 'better days are far behind.' This acceptance, however, is tinged with a sense of resignation and the burden of carrying another 'cross.' The song concludes with a somber reflection on the inevitability of death, encapsulated in the line 'we were born to die.' The repetition of 'beggars and hangers-on' in the final verses emphasizes the persistent external pressures and internal struggles that define the protagonist's experience.