Lyrics
State executioner, there's no hope,
Expresses despair and lack of hope in the face of a state executioner.
For the men that hang on th end of your rope.
Men facing execution are at the mercy of the state executioner's decisions.
You think you're safe no-one can tell,
The state executioner feels secure, believing nobody can predict their fate.
What they'll do when you get to hell.
Raises the question of the consequences the executioner will face in the afterlife.
State executioner ..
Reiteration of the role of the state executioner.
Got the papers, you need your boss,
Highlighting the bureaucracy involved, suggesting the executioner needs official approval.
That man is not guilty you don't give a toss.
The executioner shows indifference to innocence, emphasizing a lack of empathy.
Pull the lever, watch him swing,
Describes the physical act of execution, pulling a lever to hang the condemned.
State executioner, murderous king.
Labels the state executioner as a murderous king, implying a cruel and authoritarian figure.
State executioner, just the same,
Reaffirms the state executioner's similarity to those they execute on behalf of the government.
As the people you kill in the government's name.
Points out the paradox of killing in the name of the government.
Slip on the hood, open the hatch,
Describes the preparation for execution, wearing a hood and opening a hatch, suggesting a dehumanizing process.
You're no better than those you dispatch.
Conveys a moral judgment, stating that the executioner is no better than those they execute.
State executioner, punishing men,
States the executioner's role in punishing individuals, highlighting the perpetuity of the punishment.
Although it's for ever and ever amen.
Emphasizes the everlasting nature of the executioner's actions, concluding with "amen."
Fame and fortune damnation you've got,
Addresses the potential rewards (fame and fortune) and the implied spiritual consequences of damnation.
State executioner you should be shot.
Suggests a controversial stance, stating that the state executioner deserves to be shot, perhaps as poetic justice.
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