Meaning of "Burial At Sea" by Saint Vitus

The lyrics of "Burial At Sea" by Saint Vitus paint a picture of a haunting and nightmarish nautical journey. The repeated plea to Neptune indicates a deep fear of the unknown and a desire to evade a fate that seems inevitable. Images of a phantom ship, dead men screaming, and a one-legged spectre create a chilling atmosphere of despair and impending doom. The references to being smashed to bits and losing one's soul suggest a loss of autonomy and identity, as one is forced to partake in the eternal suffering of the dead. The song ultimately conveys a sense of helplessness in the face of forces beyond control, and a desperate plea for salvation from a fate worse than death.