Lyrics
Western movies!
Reference to Western movies, setting the theme.
The riders ride, into the night
The riders embark on a journey into the night.
Into the west, to see who's gun's the best
Heading west to determine who possesses the superior gun.
They're all fools, to live by rules
Criticism of those foolishly adhering to strict rules.
The rider wearing black
Introduction of a mysterious rider dressed in black.
Oh, he's gonna shoot you in the back, ow!
Warning that the black-clad rider will attack from behind.
The horseman turns, the wound that burns
The rider turns, experiencing a burning wound.
The awful pain, the crimson rain
Describing the intense pain and bleeding (crimson rain).
He got to realize, before he dies
Realization needed before facing death.
The rider wearing black
Reiteration of the rider in black's imminent attack.
Know he's gonna shoot you in the back
Confirmation that the black-clad rider will shoot from behind.
It's suicide, to live on pride
Labeling living by pride as suicidal.
You claim you own, your skin, your bone
Assertion that one's possessions (skin, bone) don't guarantee safety.
Your own life, cuts you like a knife
Life's challenges can be as cutting as a knife.
The rider wearing black
Reiteration of the impending attack by the rider in black.
He's gonna, he's gonna shoot you in the back, hey!
Confirmation that the black-clad rider will shoot from behind.
In the western movies!
Closing reference to Western movies, perhaps emphasizing the song's thematic inspiration.
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