Carnal gladiators lie restless awaiting the dawn
Slaves to their passion, so eager its will to perform
They wrestle the "Double Backed Beast" face their foe hand to hand
The arena was life but alone in deaths shadow they stand.

You brand the social leper, then spare no second thought
Too scared to give this kiss of life, "Come rise my son and walk."

On these streets of damnation the destitute huddle once more
Can we pass them by just like all who have been there before?
Are you so cold and heartless you can feel no shame
That we allow a human life to become a death in vein.

A fear that's bred of ignorance perpetuates the lie
Well there but for the mercy and the grace of God go I.

Prisoners in a sterile vacuum, hearts that feel but dare not touch
The freak show in this callous circus, on parade so all may look
Those who gaze upon the outcasts to taste how bitter life can be
Can't comprehend the pain you feel, their blinkered eyes will never see.


Lyrics submitted by Seven

Alone in Death's Shadow Lyrics as written by Steve Ramsey Martin Walkyier

Lyrics © Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Alone In Death's Shadow song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

4 Comments

sort form View by:
  • 0
    General Comment

    I wish Skyclad were more popular just so there would be plentiful interpretations of their lyrics out there. Martin Walkyier is easily my favorite lyricist, but so many of his words I simply can't make sense of.

    Chard121on December 01, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    My best guess is that this song is about homeless people. They're often looked down upon as worthless drunks and crazy people, but without any real understanding of who they actually are.

    "Prisoners in a sterile vacuum - hearts that feel but dare not touch The freak show in this callous circus - on parade so all may look"

    They're right there in the middle of society, and feel like the rest of us, but their own shame and regular folk's disdain for them/fear of them keep them from ever trying to make normal human contact.

    "Those who gaze upon the outcasts to taste how bitter life can be Can't comprehend the pain you feel - their blinkered eyes will never see."

    Many of us pass by these people, see them, maybe think "damn, it would suck to be in their place", then we move on with our lives. However, we really don't know how hard it is to live a life like that.

    I know if I was homeless I'd be a huge drunk.

    I think the Bible verses are inserted into the song to imply how so many of us (the Christians) preach loving kindness and care for the poor, but don't live by it.

    I just can't figure the first verse into my interpretation.

    Chard121on December 01, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    The screams at the end of this song are the best I've ever heard.

    Chard121on December 01, 2011   Link
  • 0
    My Opinion

    This is about people with HIV (AIDS).

    mikekrutzeron January 12, 2024   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

More Featured Meanings

Album art
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere. In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Album art
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
Album art
When We Were Young
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
Album art
Magical
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
Album art
Plastic Bag
Ed Sheeran
“Plastic Bag” is a song about searching for an escape from personal problems and hoping to find it in the lively atmosphere of a Saturday night party. Ed Sheeran tells the story of his friend and the myriad of troubles he is going through. Unable to find any solutions, this friend seeks a last resort in a party and the vanity that comes with it. “I overthink and have trouble sleepin’ / All purpose gone and don’t have a reason / And there’s no doctor to stop this bleedin’ / So I left home and jumped in the deep end,” Ed Sheeran sings in verse one. He continues by adding that this person is feeling the weight of having disappointed his father and doesn’t have any friends to rely on in this difficult moment. In the second verse, Ed sings about the role of grief in his friend’s plight and his dwindling faith in prayer. “Saturday night is givin’ me a reason to rely on the strobe lights / The lifeline of a promise in a shot glass, and I’ll take that / If you’re givin’ out love from a plastic bag,” Ed sings on the chorus, as his friend turns to new vices in hopes of feeling better.