Meaning of "Hell to Pay" by Bonnie Raitt

The lyrics of "Hell to Pay" paint a vivid picture of someone who has taken advantage of others for their own gain, whether through financial exploitation or moral hypocrisy. The speaker in the song calls out this individual for their actions, noting that their reckoning is inevitable. The imagery of throwing the dog a bone while being called out by karma adds a sense of poetic justice to the narrative. The song captures a sense of frustration with those who profit at the expense of others and serves as a warning that one's actions will always have consequences. Overall, "Hell to Pay" conveys a message about accountability, justice, and the eventual comeuppance of those who engage in deceitful behavior.