Criminals and Murderers

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a stark picture of desperate flight and moral compromise. The opening verse immediately establishes a scene of intense struggle, with figures "struggl[ing] up the riverbank" and running "through the mountains, to hell and back." This isn't just a physical escape; it's a flight from an oppressive force, the "empire," and a descent into a primal state, "hungry as an animal." The narrator's detachment from a former ally, stating "He is not my brother now," underscores the brutal pragmatism required for survival, a chilling imperative to "Get him before he gets you." The dominant emotional tension hinges on the precariousness of existence and the desperate need to escape consequences. The relentless repetition of "One foot in the grave / Running away" in the chorus hammers home the constant threat of death and the futility of their flight. It suggests a cycle of desperation where escape is the only option, even if it leads nowhere good. This isn't a triumphant run for freedom, but a panicked scramble away from an inevitable end, a state of perpetual near-death. The bridge and outro reveal the underlying guilt and fear of exposure. The repeated plea, "God, don't tell them what we've done," points to a shared transgression that binds the group, even as they fracture. The phrase "we broke the bond" implies a betrayal or a collective act that has put them all in this dire situation. The narrator's question in the second verse, "Would you have done the same thing?" further emphasizes the moral ambiguity of their actions, seeking validation for their desperate choices. This lyrical construction is effective because it grounds existential dread in visceral imagery and relentless rhythm. The contrast between the primal "animal" hunger and the plea for divine secrecy creates a potent sense of moral decay under duress. The insistent, almost suffocating repetition of the chorus mirrors the inescapable nature of their predicament, making the listener feel the weight of their constant flight and the gnawing fear of discovery.