Meaning of "Build Around Your Heart A Wall" by Shovels & Rope

The lyrics of "Build Around Your Heart A Wall" delve into themes of love, loss, revenge, and the emotional consequences of seeking justice. The narrator's deep love for the young girl, who ultimately dies due to the actions of another, drives them into a spiral of grief and anger. The decision to seek revenge is a way for the narrator to cope with the overwhelming emotions they are experiencing. At the same time, the lyrics highlight the notion of building emotional barriers as a form of protection from further pain. The repeated chorus of "build around your heart a wall" signifies the narrator's desire to shield themselves from any more heartbreak by shutting themselves off emotionally. The imagery of a church on fire, the sound of a church bell, and the idea of rising and falling all add layers of symbolism to the narrative, hinting at themes of conflict, tragedy, and the cyclical nature of life and death.