Could it be possible the song refers to something atrocious like sexual assault/rape (perhaps as an impulse after the rejection of his or her 'three word gesture')? This would more clearly explain the "18 months hard labour" and definitely the line "With a gesture / That was absolutely vile." Perhaps the narrator feels remorse - a remorse that must have kept him/her from carrying the act to its completion. the words "forced" and "grabbed" also suggest a darker physical aspect. Still not sure about the line "that's what tradition means," though.
Either way you read this it's a great song by a great band.
Could it be possible the song refers to something atrocious like sexual assault/rape (perhaps as an impulse after the rejection of his or her 'three word gesture')? This would more clearly explain the "18 months hard labour" and definitely the line "With a gesture / That was absolutely vile." Perhaps the narrator feels remorse - a remorse that must have kept him/her from carrying the act to its completion. the words "forced" and "grabbed" also suggest a darker physical aspect. Still not sure about the line "that's what tradition means," though.
Either way you read this it's a great song by a great band.