Meaning of "The Angels Laid Him Away" by Rhiannon Giddens

The lyrics of "The Angels Laid Him Away" speak to the tragedy of a young man's untimely death and the impact it has on those left behind. The repetition of "The angels laid him away" emphasizes the inevitability of death and the finality of the loss. The mention of women dressing in red when they heard of Louis's death adds a layer of folklore and ritual to the mourning process, highlighting the community's collective grief and the echoes of tradition in the face of tragedy. The song reflects on themes of violence, mourning, and the passage of time, encapsulating the sorrow and sense of loss that death brings.