For me, this beautiful song is about the good people (the "angels") in this world full of hatred (first 4 lines), who do (or more pessimistic, did - see 5th line) good things for their fellow man, even when they are being hated by others. That's because they see everybody else as good and friendly (last two lines). Naive, or idealistic?
Danny Radnor is the name of a character from the movie "Matewan" (1978), about oppressed mine workers, in which he is a miner and lay preacher. Haven't seen it, but it's possible this song is inspired by the movie, especially because it seems both the song and the movie tell about a violent clash, the Matewan Massacre ("pistol", "bullets", "unfriendly faces").
Second line should be: "We once saw only smiles".
For me, this beautiful song is about the good people (the "angels") in this world full of hatred (first 4 lines), who do (or more pessimistic, did - see 5th line) good things for their fellow man, even when they are being hated by others. That's because they see everybody else as good and friendly (last two lines). Naive, or idealistic?
Danny Radnor is the name of a character from the movie "Matewan" (1978), about oppressed mine workers, in which he is a miner and lay preacher. Haven't seen it, but it's possible this song is inspired by the movie, especially because it seems both the song and the movie tell about a violent clash, the Matewan Massacre ("pistol", "bullets", "unfriendly faces").