Song Meaning
The lyrics immediately paint a portrait of an enigmatic figure, repeatedly described with powerful, often contradictory imagery. The speaker grapples with this man's overwhelming presence, calling him both "a small god" and possessing "the humor of the devil." It's a rapid-fire introduction to a truly larger-than-life character.
A core tension emerges from the man's dual nature: he's simultaneously divine and demonic, a source of both awe and fear. The phrase "fear of God" directly links him to a profound, almost primal dread. Yet, the lyrics also suggest a human core, noting he is "one man inside," hinting at a hidden complexity beneath the grand pronouncements.
The lyrical craft masterfully uses escalating religious metaphors alongside stark contrasts. He's initially a "small god," but the descriptions quickly expand, suggesting a perceived growth in his influence. This escalation is paired with the idea of him being "the finger of fate" and also "dice of luck," suggesting he controls both destiny and chance, an almost impossible duality that defines his power.
These lyrics are effective because they don't offer easy answers; instead, they build a compelling mystery. The insistent repetition of "What a man, he is" creates a sense of obsession, as if the speaker is trying to fully grasp an incomprehensible force. By the final, truncated "What a man," the listener is left with a lingering impression of a figure whose power and contradictions defy simple understanding, making him unforgettable.
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