Meaning of "Ghosts Along the Mississippi" by Down

The lyrics in "Ghosts Along the Mississippi" delve into the narrator's personal journey of self-destruction and their battle to reclaim control over their own life. The morning serves as a metaphor for a new beginning, a chance to start fresh, yet the narrator finds it difficult to find joy or happiness as the day progresses. They recognize that they have wasted their life and are prematurely heading towards death. The mention of cutting off the dragon's head and putting away the gun symbolizes their determination to overcome their own destructive tendencies. The ghost along the Mississippi represents the image of their past self haunting them, a reminder of the mistakes and regrets that linger. The narrator acknowledges the strange and unpredictable nature of life, realizing that their habits and vices have escalated to dangerous levels. However, they also find solace in their friends and loved ones, who offer support and may serve as a catalyst for change. They believe that by harnessing the power of love and friendship, they can defy the odds and overcome their self-destructive tendencies. The repetition of "It's been done before" implies that others have faced similar struggles and emerged victorious, instilling a sense of hope within the narrator. The repeated refrain of "Can't happen to me, won't do it to me" reflects their determination to break free from the cycle of self-destruction. The lyrics urge the narrator to destroy the negative forces that have taken a hold on their life and move forward as someone who is no longer haunted by their past.