South Of Heaven

Slayer's 'South Of Heaven' is a song that delves into themes of apocalypse, moral decay, and the dark side of human nature. The lyrics paint a grim picture of a world on the brink of destruction, where chaos reigns and humanity's worst impulses come to the fore. The song begins with a prophetic vision of an 'unforeseen future,' suggesting a sudden and catastrophic event that catches humanity off guard. This could be interpreted as a reference to the biblical concept of Judgment Day, where the end of the world is accompanied by divine retribution.

The song goes on to describe a society that has lost its way, with 'forgotten children' adopting a new faith based on greed, lust, and hatred. The imagery used in the lyrics, such as 'bastard sons' and 'promiscuous mothers,' suggests a breakdown of traditional family structures and moral values. The repeated phrase 'on and on south of heaven' could be seen as a metaphor for a continuous descent into moral depravity, moving further away from the metaphorical 'heaven' or a state of grace and goodness.

Finally, the song touches on the idea of an eternal struggle for truth and the loss of hope and dignity. The 'root of all evil' is described as a 'black-soul,' indicating an inherent darkness within humanity that has persisted throughout history. The 'chaos rampant' and 'impulsive habitat' reflect a world where order has collapsed, and impulsive, destructive behavior has become the norm. Overall, 'South Of Heaven' offers a bleak commentary on the human condition, questioning the possibility of redemption in a world consumed by darkness and chaos.