The narrator finds himself lost in the dark and fearful until he reaches Saint Peter's Gate where he is shown his past deeds and the consequences that await. He witnesses a dictator being condemned to hell while he is spared and urged to run, knowing that only those who satisfy the gatekeepers will be allowed to enter Heaven.

Meaning of "Saint Peter's Gate" by Chris De Burgh

"Saint Peter's Gate" tells the story of a man facing judgment after death, where his actions are examined and he must account for his deeds. The symbolism of the gate represents the transition between life and death, as well as the ideas of accountability and consequences. The mention of a dictator being condemned to hell while the narrator is spared suggests themes of justice and morality. The angelic figure urging the narrator to run represents the opportunity for redemption and the chance to change one's fate. Overall, the lyrics explore the concepts of judgment, consequences, and the potential for redemption in the afterlife.