Meaning of "Never Take Me Alive" by Paradise Lost

The lyrics of "Never Take Me Alive" by Paradise Lost describe a sense of desperation and defiance in the face of a criminal act. The narrator seems to be confessing to their mother that they have taken someone's life, but attempts to justify it by explaining that the victim was trying to stop them. The repeated refrain of "They'll never take me alive" suggests a determination to resist capture by law enforcement, even at the cost of their own life. This could reflect a deep-seated fear of consequences or a desire to hold onto a sense of control in an uncontrollable situation. The declaration of love for their mother amidst these confessions adds a layer of vulnerability and emotional complexity to the narrative, highlighting the conflict between the actions taken and the emotions that underlie them.