Lyric discussion by mrmartyjones 

Cover art for Hot Gates lyrics by Mumford & Sons

Love this song...but what in the world are "hot gates"?

@mrmartyjones "hot gates" usually refers to a climax; as in when an ancient city were being attacked, the battle usually piqued at the city gates as the most crucial point for both sides to win. Also, these lyrics are wrong "at these hot gates you spit your vitriol though you swore you wouldn't do this anymore"

@mrmartyjones I wonder if it has to do with Thermopylae, the battle site of the 300. Translated, Thermopylae means "hot gates."