Southend of a Northbound Train
Echoes of Fate: A Tale Beneath the Hanging Tree
Lyrics
There's a rise above the river
Describing a rise or elevation above a river where a tree used for hangings stands near the edge.
Where the hangman's tree hugs the rim
The tree associated with executions is close to the edge of this elevation.
A brace of crows crowd the bank
Two crows gather on the riverbank, reminiscent of mourners.
Like mourners on their way to the Mercy bridge
Comparing the crows' gathering to mourners on their way to a bridge associated with mercy, possibly implying a funeral procession.
A whistle blows and a freight rolls by
An auditory signal announces the passing of a freight train.
Pallbearers rest their load
People carrying a coffin pause in their task.
It all seems clear, life's gone from here
Life seems to have departed from the place where the deceased is being laid to rest.
As he is lowered in the hole
The deceased person is being lowered into a grave.
Oh Mary, can't you see
Addressing Mary, questioning if she comprehends the situation.
It was not meant to be?
Implying that the events were not fated or intended.
He was born to dangle
Suggesting that the deceased was destined for a tragic end.
Beneath the hanging tree
Imagery of someone fated to hang from the hanging tree.
Mary seems uncertain now
Mary's uncertainty becomes evident.
As she follows him to his rest
Mary follows the deceased to his final resting place.
She lost her one true love and he lost her
Highlighting the loss suffered by both Mary and the deceased.
Straight bullet to the chest
Describing the cause of death as a stray bullet to the chest.
Life of crime is a long-short road
Portraying a criminal life as a precarious and fearful path.
Every moment filled with dread
Every moment is filled with apprehension in such a life.
And never leaves much room for love
Suggesting that a life of crime leaves little room for love.
In the shadows of its dead
Love exists only in the shadows or memories of those who have passed.
Oh Mary, can't you see
Reiterating the question posed to Mary about her understanding of the situation.
It was not meant to be?
Implying the events were not predestined.
He was born to dangle
Repeating the idea that the deceased was fated to meet a tragic end.
Beneath the hanging tree
Emphasizing the image of someone destined to hang.
Mary climbs the Mercy bridge
Mary ascends the Mercy bridge over dark and cold waters.
Over the waters dark and cold
Describing the bridge where Mary is and its surroundings.
She'll wash away all her tears
Mary intends to cleanse herself emotionally by washing away her tears in the healing waters.
In the waters healing flow
Emphasizing the purifying quality of the water.
Oh Mary, can't you see
Repetition of the question directed at Mary regarding her comprehension of the situation.
It was not meant to be?
Reiterating the idea that events were not predetermined.
He was born to dangle
Restating the notion of the deceased being fated to meet a tragic end.
Beneath the hanging tree
Reemphasizing the image of someone destined to hang.
Oh Mary, can't you see
Repeating the questioning of Mary's understanding of the situation.
It was not meant to be?
Emphasizing that events were not intended or predetermined.
He was born to dangle
Restating the idea of the deceased being fated to a tragic end.
Beneath the hanging tree
Reiterating the imagery of someone destined to hang.
Oh Mary, can't you see
Continued repetition of the question to Mary about her understanding.
It was not meant to be?
Reaffirming the idea that events were not predetermined.
He was born to dangle
Repeating the notion of the deceased being fated to a tragic end.
Beneath the hanging tree
Reemphasizing the imagery of someone destined to hang.
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