Meaning of "All Hail" by The Devil Makes Three

The lyrics of "All Hail" provide a scathing critique of modern society and its obsession with material possessions. The song portrays a world where people are driven to madness and addiction, symbolized by the lighters hitting rocks and the stars falling like rain. The mention of a skeletal woman, a crack cocaine user, highlights the desperation and suffering that often accompany the pursuit of instant gratification.

The chorus, "All hail, all hail, to the greatest sales, everything in sight's got to be sold," reflects the pervasive influence of capitalism and consumerism. The lyrics suggest that everything is for sale, and people are willing to compromise their integrity and autonomy to attain wealth and possessions. The line "it's to work or to jail, man they're closing them doors on the world" emphasizes the binary choice many face: conform to societal norms or face marginalization and imprisonment.

The song also comments on the mindlessness and conformity promoted by mass media. The reference to television always being on and the manipulation of language ("replace the word right now, with the word wrong") highlight the constant bombardment of messages and the distortion of truth that are prevalent in the media landscape. The callousness and hypocrisy of the authorities are illustrated in the line "save the children, but drop the bomb," suggesting that those in power prioritize their own interests over the well-being of the people they claim to protect.

The second half of the song delves into the theme of drug use and its purpose in suppressing individuality and critical thinking. The lyrics depict a pill that numbs emotions and keeps people acting like everyone else, emphasizing the loss of authenticity and the pressure to conform. The reference to a "thorazine work party" and "free fluoride bubble gum" portrays a world where the masses are drugged into a state of complacency and mindlessness, wandering aimlessly under the influence of these substances.

In the end, "All Hail" paints a bleak picture of a society consumed by materialism, conformity, and addiction. The song serves as a warning against the dangers of relinquishing our individuality and critical thinking in exchange for the empty promises of consumerism and the numbing effects of drugs.