One meaning of this song is the classic battle of good and evil that occurs within each of us, and in society as a whole. The chorus, "we have been captured by the thieves of the night, held for ransom if you please, heaven help the devil may he have unpleasant memories" asserts that even when we've been taken by evil, it's temporary and something in us struggles against it, and thus gives the devil unpleasant memories. The verses reinforce the goodness that the writer sees in mankind in spite of troubled times: "our love for each other", "don't wish to cause each other pain", "helpful to the ones in need". This is an uplifting message in spite of the somber tone and the curious title.
One meaning of this song is the classic battle of good and evil that occurs within each of us, and in society as a whole. The chorus, "we have been captured by the thieves of the night, held for ransom if you please, heaven help the devil may he have unpleasant memories" asserts that even when we've been taken by evil, it's temporary and something in us struggles against it, and thus gives the devil unpleasant memories. The verses reinforce the goodness that the writer sees in mankind in spite of troubled times: "our love for each other", "don't wish to cause each other pain", "helpful to the ones in need". This is an uplifting message in spite of the somber tone and the curious title.