Meaning of "Death" by Judas Priest

The lyrics of "Death" by Judas Priest delve into the dark and grim reality of mortality and the ultimate end that awaits everyone. Death is personified as a messenger who wields a scythe, symbolizing the finality and inevitability of the end that comes to all living beings. The imagery of a crematorium and tomb waiting for the souls emphasizes the idea of death as a ritualized and unavoidable part of existence. The song also touches on themes of sin, repentance, and divine judgment, portraying death as a force that defaces humanity and brings a reckoning from the sky that cannot be escaped. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of fear, inevitability, and the transitory nature of life that culminates in the all-encompassing darkness of death.