Break Your Neck
Justice Unveiled: The Executioner's Oath in 'Break Your Neck'
Lyrics
Yes I am Jack Ketch
Identification as Jack Ketch, historically associated with execution; suggesting a role in administering punishment.
And you're another neck for me to stretch
Expressing the intention to harm or execute someone by "stretching" their neck; metaphorical language for causing harm.
And the judges must have sent you down
Suggesting a legal decision or judgment that led to the person being addressed facing consequences.
I'm gonna kill you in the name of the crown
Expressing the act of killing in the name of authority, specifically the crown; implying a sense of duty.
Gonna break your
Repetition of the intent to "break your neck," emphasizing the severity and inevitability of the action.
Gonna break your
-Gonna break your
-I'm gonna break your neck
-I'm gonna execute the will of the mob
Declaring the execution of the will of the mob, suggesting a collective desire for justice or retribution.
and give the people what the people want
Commitment to fulfilling the people's desires, possibly implying a populist approach to justice.
And it's so
Introduction of something that will be memorable or disturbing, creating a lasting impact.
mething that will stick in the craw
Referring to the impending action as something that will cause discomfort or resentment.
I'm gonna kill you in the name of the law
Reiteration of the intent to kill in the name of the law, reinforcing the notion of lawful execution.
Gonna break your
Repetition of the determination to "break your neck," underscoring the gravity of the threat.
Gonna break your
-Gonna break your
-I'm gonna break your neck
-Well they say you pay an eye for an eye
Reference to the concept of retribution, an eye for an eye, suggesting a proportional response to wrongdoing.
So some old bastard's sent you here to die
Implies that someone has arranged for the person addressed to face punishment or death.
Well they say
Reiteration of the idea of retribution, emphasizing a cyclical pattern of punishment.
you pay an eye for an eye
Ponders the absence of reciprocal punishment, questioning why the speaker has not faced similar consequences.
Well how come no
Introduction of a rhetorical question, expressing a sense of injustice or imbalance in the application of punishment.
-
Empty line; potential pause or emphasis on the following line.
one's ever taken mine?
Raising the question of why the speaker has not experienced a similar fate despite the perceived principle of reciprocity.
Gonna break your
Final repetition of the determination to "break your neck," concluding the song with a strong emphasis on the impending violent action.
Gonna break your
-Gonna break your
-I'm gonna break your neck
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