Meaning of "Last Rites" by Mercyful Fate

The lyrics of "Last Rites" explore themes of mortality, disbelief in organized religion, and defiance in the face of death. The protagonist, facing their final moments, challenges the presence of a priest and the traditional religious rituals associated with death. By expressing a lack of belief in heaven and hell, they assert their autonomy and rejection of societal norms relating to spirituality. The rejection of God and the desire to end the priest's prayer demonstrate a defiance against authority and a refusal to conform to expectations, even in the face of imminent death. Overall, the song delves into the complex and personal relationship between belief, mortality, and individual agency.