There comes from old Avaro’s grave

Song Meaning

This short, stark verse immediately conjures a morbid image: a grave emitting a "deadly stench." The narrator questions this phenomenon with a mix of bewilderment and accusation, asking "why, sure they have / Immured his <i>soul</i> within his grave?" The language is direct, almost confrontational, setting a tone of unease and suspicion. The central tension lies in the unnatural state of Avaro's resting place. The "deadly stench" suggests something corrupted or trapped, a violation of the natural order of death. The narrator's rhetorical question implies a deliberate act, a belief that Avaro's soul has been intentionally "immured"—walled in—within the grave, preventing its release or peace. The most striking aspect is the word "immured." It's a powerful, archaic term suggesting imprisonment and confinement, far more intense than simply being buried. This specific word choice elevates the lyrical content from a simple description of a bad smell to an accusation of spiritual imprisonment. The capitalization of "<i>soul</i>" further emphasizes the gravity of this perceived confinement. These lyrics are effective because they create a vivid, unsettling atmosphere with minimal words. The combination of a visceral sensory detail (the stench) and an abstract, chilling concept (a soul immured) leaves the listener with a potent sense of mystery and dread. The direct, questioning tone invites speculation about who "they" are and what dark purpose led to such an act.