Meaning of "Back To Back" by The Chariot

The lyrics of "Back To Back" by The Chariot explore themes of mortality, the choice between conflict and peace, and the inevitability of death. The song sets a tone of urgency and finality, portraying the situation as the protagonist's last chance. The line "This is the last chance you got, open Wide" expresses the urgency and the need for the protagonist to face their impending mortality head-on.

The following line, "We both know we're both going to die, but there's a difference with you and I," highlights a contrast between the protagonist and someone else, possibly an adversary. While the protagonist desires peace, they refuse to engage in the fight. This refusal may result from various reasons such as fear, exhaustion, or an aversion to violence. The line "You want peace but refuse the fight so shake hands with change tonight" suggests that by avoiding conflict, one must make peace with the inevitability of change.

The lyrics employ the imagery of armor, symbolizing protection or preparation for battle. The phrase "Bathe in armor, for death feeds" could allude to the idea that being prepared and bracing oneself for death can lead to a heightened sense of strength and awareness. It could also signify the acceptance of mortality and coming to terms with the inevitable.

The chorus conveys a plea or a prayer to death: "O' death don't bother me tonight. Be grace, my God, and stand still. Be grace, my God, and send more minutes." This indicates a desire for a temporary reprieve or additional time to make peace with one's mortality or to find a resolution.

The lyrics further address the contrasting nature of different individuals in society. The line "For churches have nuns. Cowboys got guns and everyone's waiting to die" points to the diverse roles and beliefs people hold, yet they all share the anticipation of death. The mention of churches and nuns represents religious devotion and spiritual contemplation, while cowboys and guns evoke a more aggressive and confrontational stance. Despite these differences, the lyrics suggest that everyone is ultimately waiting for death, highlighting the shared human experience of mortality.