I know Oscar Wilde wrote a play called 'An Ideal Husband', which, full disclosure, I have yet to read, but together with 'Being Earnest' is his most successful play. I've read through the play's Wikipedia page, and it seems to very much parallel the lyrics of this song. The play is about paying for your past sins, and being judged by your past. I am even willing to bet that it was an inspiration for this song.
I know Oscar Wilde wrote a play called 'An Ideal Husband', which, full disclosure, I have yet to read, but together with 'Being Earnest' is his most successful play. I've read through the play's Wikipedia page, and it seems to very much parallel the lyrics of this song. The play is about paying for your past sins, and being judged by your past. I am even willing to bet that it was an inspiration for this song.