Shepherd of Fire

Let me preface this my saying I am not at all religious, but I find that the song is cleverly written and poetic, which is why I'm so intrigued by it.

I think the song is very clearly about the stereotypical nature associated with Satan. That is that Satan is a cast out of Heaven, and that in his -pride- he assumes he knows a better way. He devalues the importance of moral integrity and instead places greater importance upon worldly concerns. The song, told from his perspective, makes it seem as if he isn't do anything but telling it how it is - hence his pride. Also, you aren't much of anything to him in the long run, he doesn't lead you astray to spite you, but to take another away from God.

Anyway, quick look at the lyrics for backup:

Let's take a moment to break the ice. So my intentions are known.

• Two fold meaning. A) He wants to level, he's not that bad of a guy after all. B) Clever use of the word ice. Ice's antithesis? Fire, as in Shepherd of Fire.

See I have pity in watching you suffer, I know the feeling of being damned alone. I have a storybook of my own.

• He is justifying his offer and making himself seem more relate-able. He knows the feeling of being cast from Heaven, damned as the only traitor. The storybook of his own refers to a jibe about calling the Bible a storybook, making it seem as if he has his own side to the story.

Don't you know I am your pride, agent of wealth, bearer of needs?

• The "Don't you know" portion changes throughout the song, as his arguments slowly claim the listener (or he acts as if they do = pride). He is your pride, the part that won't bend knee and refuses to accept Heaven's dictates. Agent of wealth and bearer of needs refer to the sins and false glory he promises to fulfill.

I am your war.

• This is one of the most telling lines for me. "I am your war" refers to the war of moral choice. He offers you a counterpoint to good, forcing a decision.

Arming the strong, aiding the weak.

• A few different ways of looking at it. If it is one line the "aiding the weak" could be the method in which he "arms the strong." Which is to say he aids the weak by arming them, making them the strong. Could also refer to the idea that he arms the strong (war, strife) and "aids" or makes deals with those weak enough to accept the Devil's help.

Know me by name, Shepherd of Fire.

• Self explanatory. He is narcissistic. He is all the pride of the world, so in ways he IS vanity. He commands to know him by name, but then supplies not only a dramatic title, but a perversion of the "Shepherd" by which God/Christ are referred to. Misleading, too.

Well I can promise you paradise No need to serve on your knees

• He starts to make his offer now. He can promise you Paradise, unlike God who makes you earn it through moral service. Satan refers to this as serving on your knees which sounds demeaning. And when you're lost in the darkest of hours Take a moment and tell me who you see
• God's tests of faith always come at your darkest hour. Faith demands acceptance without knowledge and the ability to accept what has happened without direct intervention. Satan plays on this, challenging that God does not directly offer aid, even though Satan does.

Won't tell you who not to be.

• Just a childish jab at God, really. The idea that God demands repentance and morality. Satan doesn't care, for as he later says, he's just a dealer of sinful choices.

Now you know I am your pride.

• I think the idea in the song at this point is that the person Satan is talking to is starting to fall under his sway here and he knows it. He tells them that now they know he is a part of them, whereas before it was "Don't you see."

Disciple of the Cross and Champion in suffering, Immerse yourself in the Kingdom of Redemption. Pardon your mind from the chains of the divine Make way for the Shepherd of Fire

• There seems to be some contention about the lyrics here. After listening closely I believe the above is correct. Here, Satan is specifically speaking to a "Disciple of the Cross and Champion in Suffering." Which is to say someone that believe in God/Christ. Satan actually refers to Hell as the kingdom of Redemption and says to "Pardon your mind FROM the chains of the Divine." He is telling the Disciple to let go of the hold God has over him and make way in his life for Satan.

Through the ages of time, I've been known for my Hate. But I'm a dealer of sinful choices. For me it's never too late.

• He knows he is known by his spite of God, but is trying to convince people he nothing more than a peddler of sinful goods. He downplays his relationship with God (and therefore the ramification of dealing with him), and then sweetens it by saying his offers have no timeline, you need only accept them.

Anyway, that's what I get from it. I think the song meaning is pretty clear and cleverly executed.