The Hell of It

Life is tumultuous, with unpredictable events ("Roll on thunder, shine on lightnin'"). Days are lengthy, nights are scary.

Nothing holds significance ultimately, and this realization is distressing ("Nothing matters anyway and that's the hell of it").

As time passes (winter comes), some gain wisdom while the subject only ages without learning ("some grew wiser you just grew older").

The subject was resistant to advice or guidance ("And you never listened anyway and that's the hell of it").

The subject is described negatively, disliked by others, and the suggestion of a preferable demise is made ("Good for nothin' bad in bed nobody likes you and you're better off dead goodbye").

A collective farewell to the subject ("We've all come to say goodbye goodbye").

The subject faced constant struggles and failures throughout life ("Born defeated died in vain").

The subject's life was consumed by self-destructive behavior and addiction ("Super destruction you were hooked on pain"), despite their music continuing to endure.

Despite the continuation of their music, people are relieved by the subject's absence ("All of us are glad you're gone").

The narrator contemplates living as recklessly as the subject but fears the consequences ("If I could live my life half as worthlessly as you").

Expresses the certainty of negative repercussions for living a purposeless life ("I'm convinced that I'd wind up burning too").

Advocates self-respect and independence, warning against being deceived or manipulated ("Love yourself as you love no other be no man's fool be no man's brother").

Highlights the inevitable reality of facing death alone ("We're all born to die alone y'know that's the hell of it").

Life is likened to a game where one is destined to be defeated, and time can be manipulated against you ("Life's a game where they're bound to beat you and time's a trick they can turn to cheat you").

Humans tend to squander their lives, adding to the distressing nature of existence ("And we only waste it anyway and that's the hell of it").

Reiteration of negative qualities and the idea of a preferred departure ("Good for nothin' bad in bed nobody likes you and you're better off dead goodbye").

Another collective farewell to the subject ("We've all come to say goodbye").

Repeats the idea of a life marked by failure and an ultimate meaningless end ("Born defeated died in vain").

Reiteration of the subject's self-destructive behavior, even though their music remains ("Super destruction you were hooked on pain").

Reinforces the relief felt by others due to the subject's absence ("All of us are glad you're gone").