Meaning of "Big Black Mariah" by John Hammond

The Big Black Mariah symbolizes death or a grim reaper figure, moving through different landscapes and situations. The repetition of the phrase "here come the Big Black Mariah" creates a sense of inevitability and finality, suggesting that death is always looming. The references to hunting, thunder, and an old blind tiger add to the ominous tone of the lyrics. The imagery of the cane break and the shadow topping the hill paint a picture of darkness encroaching on life. Overall, the lyrics seem to convey the idea of mortality and the inescapable nature of death, as represented by the Big Black Mariah and its big black Ford.