The lyrics describe an eerie and desolate landscape with references to an old black church, a broken town, and a belfry. Throughout the song, the narrator questions why the devils cry and suggests that the answer can be found by listening to the bell.

Meaning of "Listen to the Bell" by Mercyful Fate

"Listen to the Bell" by Mercyful Fate delves into themes of darkness, sorrow, and the unknown. The desolate setting described creates an atmosphere of isolation and fear, with the old church symbolizing a place of mystery and possibly evil. The repeated questioning of why the devils cry reflects a search for answers in the face of the unknown and the unexplainable. The reference to the belfry as a gateway to a realm beyond and the mention of the Maker and the Taker add a spiritual dimension to the lyrics. The bell itself becomes a symbol of revelation and a warning of impending doom, with the sound of hell echoing through its tolls. Overall, the song explores the idea of confronting darkness and the supernatural, while also hinting at the consequences of delving too deeply into the unknown.