Trapped in purgatory
A lifeless object, alive
Awaiting reprisal
Death will be their acquittance
The sky is turning red
Return to power draws near
Fall into me, the sky's crimson tears
Abolish the rules made of stone

Pierced from below, souls of my treacherous past
Betrayed by many, now ornaments dripping above

Awaiting the hour of reprisal
Your time slips away

Raining blood
From a lacerated sky
Bleeding its horror
Creating my structure, now I shall reign in blood


Lyrics submitted by jt, edited by antaries12

Raining Blood Lyrics as written by Jeffery John Hanneman Alexander Paul Sacco

Lyrics © Ultra Tunes, Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Raining Blood song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

119 Comments

sort form View by:
  • +7
    General Comment
    just call them metal you assfucks
    handofdoomon June 04, 2003   Link
  • +7
    My Interpretation
    I kind of see this as a Satanic wet dream. The first bit is about the souls trapped in purgatory, who are waiting to exact their revenge against God who put them there. The second bit is the Devil fantasizing about his actions when he returns to power. Particularly "abolishing the rules made of stone" or the Ten Commandments. The third bit is actually my favorite lines. "Pierced from below, souls of my treacherous past." These are the angels that followed Lucifer (Satan)in his ill-fated revolt against God (hence "treacherous") and who now reside in Hell with him. "Betrayed by many, now ornaments dripping above." refers to all the souls in Heaven who have "betrayed" Satan by living holy lives and are now victims of his reprisal. "Your time slips away" I think is a direct statement to God. Basically he's telling God: "Your time is over, it's my turn now." Finally the last bit is Satan's final oath. The "lacerated sky" refers to the Heaven which he has destroyed and with God out of the way he can reign in blood.
    burnedagenton June 22, 2012   Link
  • +6
    General Comment
    death metal? no my friend, i think you'll find its actually called thrash metal (seeing as though slayer kinda created thrash metal)
    hedonismon July 27, 2002   Link
  • +4
    General Comment
    Obvious satanic theme. Sick, sick sick sick main riff. Not the most musically complex, but who -cares-. It's impossible NOT to headbang when listening to this song. You'll find your head moving up and down whether you like it or not.
    AngryCitizenon August 13, 2009   Link
  • +3
    General Comment
    Metal Master 93, if memory serves me correctly, the album was called 'Reign in blood', but the song was called 'Raining blood'.
    quiffpornon June 11, 2004   Link
  • +2
    General Comment
    Hell yeah!!!!!!!! This is the best fucking song ever written... The opening not only sends shivers up and down my spine, but also drives me fucking crazy. Bang your heads till they fucking fall off! Slayer rules!!!
    RnngBldon June 16, 2002   Link
  • +2
    General Comment
    WHO THE FUCK CARES IF THER FUKIN ASS METAL THIS SONG IS BAD ASS AND IS SO AWSOME TO PLAY ON GUITAR!!!!!
    darkpop2Dzombieon April 07, 2003   Link
  • +2
    General Comment
    Best Slayer song without a doubt.
    wastedanimosityon April 16, 2003   Link
  • +2
    General Comment
    I think this song sounds better with the first 40 seconds of Postmortem at the start. Either way, it's still one hell of an awesome song.
    LVHon December 11, 2004   Link
  • +2
    General Comment
    This song is about how Lucifer was cast down from heaven, trapped on earth (purgatory), created Hell, and than took his revenge apon those who banished him from Heaven. The "Raining Blood" is a consequence of taking revenge. Rather to be ruler of Hell, than a slave in Heaven. Slayer is the best band ever.
    SLaTaNiC13on December 24, 2004   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
The Last Dance
Within Temptation
@[Kahiara:35260] Actually I think the husband passed away, "She sang for you last night She heard you were calling" Many people say they have felt, heard, or seen their loved ones after they have passed. "Don't be scared now Close your eyes She holds guard tonight Go on forward no remorse Life will take it's course" This is said to the late husband by a third part (never named), who encourages him to pass on. Because life will eventually continue. The phrase "holds guard" refers to the ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wake_(ceremony) ) which is a Christian ceremony held after someone dies. Now it is usually held right after the funeral, but in most celtiic countries the wake is held before the funeral. "She danced with you last night so you will remember All you have shared, a lifetime." This sentence feels as if the only thing it wants to convey is their history together, namely, husband and wife. For the rest it just refers back to the first verse.
Album art
High On Life
Viyaa
This track marks the first collaboration between the artists. It was produced in its entirety by Datbeatgod and released for public consumption on January 1, 2021.
Album art
Better Than Feeling Lonely
Olivia O'Brien
This standalone single is the latest in the artiste's album run out. It was produced by Rogét Chahayed, Taylor Dexter & Wesley Singerman, and released via major streaming platforms on January 1, 2021.
Album art
Keep My Name Outta Your Mouth
Black Keys, The
This standout track comes off the artiste's latest reissue titled "Brothers Deluxe Remastered 10th Anniversary Edition". The track was produced by Mark Neill, Patrick Carney & Dan Auerbach. It was released via major streaming platforms on December 18, 2020.
Album art
Up 2020
Uncle Murda
This standout song of the rapper's latest studio album titled "Don’t Come Outside, Vol. 3" was produced by Great John. The track was released via major streaming platforms on January 1, 2021.