The Sentinel
Epic Showdown: Unveiling the Symbolism in Machine Head's 'The Sentinel'
Lyrics
Along deserted avenues
Desolate streets or pathways devoid of life and activity.
Steam begins to rise
Pressure or tension builds, likened to steam rising.
The figures primed and ready
People are prepared and in position for a sudden event.
Prepared for quick surprise
Ready for an unexpected attack or occurrence.
He's watchin' for a sign
An individual is observing, awaiting a signal or indication.
His life is on the line
His existence is at immediate risk or danger.
Dogs whine in the alleys
Street sounds and unease are evident.
Smoke is on the wind
Indications of disturbance are carried by the wind.
From deep inside its empty shell
From the inner core of an abandoned structure.
A cathedral bell begins to toll
A bell in a distant church starts tolling.
A storm begins to grow
A conflict or disturbance begins to intensify.
Amidst the upturned burned-out cars
Among destroyed vehicles, the challengers gather.
The challengers await
Those ready for the confrontation are poised.
And in their fists clutch iron bars
Armed with iron bars, ready to determine his destiny.
With which to seal his fate
They hold weapons that seal the fate of their target.
Across his chest is scabbards rest
Protective scabbards across his chest.
The rows of throwing knives
Rows of throwing knives with razor-sharp points.
Whose razor points in challenged tests
These knives have been tested in challenging situations.
Have finished many lives
They have ended numerous lives in the past.
Now facing one another
Confrontation between the adversaries.
The stand-off eats at time
A tense standoff consumes time.
Then all at once a silence falls
A sudden silence falls over the scene.
As the bell ceases its chime
Marking a crucial moment as the bell stops ringing.
Upon this sign the challengers
Challengers, spurred by the sign, rush forward.
With shrieks and cries rush forth
Shrieks and cries accompany the charging challengers.
The knives fly…
The knives are launched, initiating the confrontation.
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