“Come Join The Murder” by The White Buffalo, featuring The Forest Rangers, paints a vivid story full of symbolism and deep meaning. The song captures a person’s internal struggle on the verge of making a life-altering decision, using the metaphor of a blackbird tempting them towards a path of freedom and power. The songwriter delves into themes of temptation, betrayal, and the search for meaning in life. The blackbird, possibly a representation of one’s darker instincts or a deceptive guide, promises liberation from life’s constraints but ultimately leads to downfall. The songwriter, Jake Smith, crafts this narrative to explore the complex nature of our choices and the allure of paths that seem promising but might lead astray.
Wondering about the darker side of freedom and the high cost it might come with? “Come Join The Murder” isn’t just a song; it’s a journey through temptation, choices, and the seductive whispers of a path less traveled.
“Come Join The Murder” Lyrics Meaning
The song begins with a blackbird, symbolizing temptation and the unknown, singing outside the narrator’s window, capturing his attention and soul. This bird, with eyes of gold, sees the narrator’s sins and reads his soul, establishing a connection filled with understanding yet underlying manipulation.
The blackbird, likening itself to historical figures Martin Luther and Pericles, influential leaders who brought change, invites the narrator to “join the murder” (a group of crows) and promises freedom and power. This call to soar on wings, touch the hand of God, and be made king is a seductive offer, promising elevation from human constraints.
As the song progresses, the narrator takes flight, swept up in the promise of freedom. Yet, this freedom comes at a cost. The angels, symbolizing purity and truth, turn his wings to wax, a nod to the Icarus myth where ambition led to a tragic fall. Betrayed, the narrator realizes the false promises made by the blackbird, as he falls from grace.
Walking among the “children of my fathers,” possibly referring to past generations or those who have also been misled, the narrator feels disconnected and lost. The call of the blackbird no longer touches his heart, as he recognizes the deception.
In the final verses, the narrator reflects on his journey, cursing the blackbird’s fire—the temptation that led him astray. Like a trickster, he realizes that the blackbird always knew the outcome yet never learned from it. The song ends with a repeated chorus, possibly indicating the cyclical nature of temptation and the continuous struggle against it.
The Story Behind “Come Join The Murder”
Jake Smith, the man behind The White Buffalo, is known for his storytelling through music, often exploring themes of love, loss, and life’s moral struggles. In “Come Join The Murder,” Smith delves into the universal theme of choice and the duality of freedom—how what seems liberating can also lead to our undoing.
Smith might have been reflecting on his own life choices, the allure of the music industry, and the quest for meaning in a world filled with noise and temptation. The song serves as a cautionary tale, urging listeners to question the paths laid before them and be wary of enticing promises that may lead to unforeseen consequences.
Through the intricate weaving of lyrics and melody, Smith creates a hauntingly beautiful tale that serves as both a reflection and a warning, urging us to tread carefully on the paths we choose in our search for freedom and meaning.