Hangman
Echoes of Redemption: The Hangman's Reflection
Lyrics
There's a little village near the center of Spain
Introduction to a village in Spain, setting the stage.
Where a jealous brother killed a cold-blooded Cain
Reference to a past incident where a jealous brother killed someone.
They had a dirty job that had to be done
Describes a grim task that needed to be carried out.
When they asked for takers, there was only one
Only one person volunteered for the task.
Cause I'm the hangman, yeah, hangman
Repetition emphasizing the speaker's role as the hangman.
I'm the hangman, hangman, hangman...
-I wake at four, wash my hands
Personal routine begins, highlighting a daily commitment.
Drink to my god, atone for my sins
Religious ritual, seeking redemption for the speaker's actions.
Walk out to the yard, test the rope
Checking the equipment before starting the day's work.
When the dawn breaks, I start to work
Commencement of the grim task at dawn.
Cause I'm the hangman, yeah, hangman
Reiteration of the speaker being the hangman.
I'm the hangman; cause I'm the hangman...
-Hangman...
Repetition emphasizing the speaker's role.
Make peace with yourself, cause I'm the hangman
Encouraging self-acceptance due to the speaker's role as the hangman.
Hangman, yeah, the hangman, hangman..
Repetition of the hangman identity.
Feel no guilt, I feel no shame
Expressing a lack of guilt or shame for the actions performed.
I return to my family at the end of the day
Returning to family life after the day's work.
Sit and watch my son while he's out at play
Observing the speaker's son playing, hinting at generational continuation.
When he grows to be a man, he'll be just like me
Expectation that the son will follow in the speaker's footsteps.
He'll be the hangman. I'm the hangman, yeah, hangman
Final repetition of the hangman identity, emphasizing its perpetuation.
I'm the hangman, hangman...
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