“Hell’s Coming With Me” is a powerful and evocative song by Poor Man’s Poison, released as a single on December 10, 2019. The track tells a gripping tale of vengeance and retribution, set against the backdrop of a corrupt town harboring dark secrets.
The song’s narrative follows a wronged individual who vows to return and bring hell with him after being violently dismissed by the townspeople. As the story unfolds, it explores themes of justice, corruption, and the consequences of exploiting the poor. The protagonist is portrayed as a complex character, embodying both divine retribution and hellish vengeance.
The lyrics paint vivid imagery of a hill where poor souls go, a town with a “black magic preacher,” and the eventual return of the vengeful drifter. The recurring phrase “Hell’s coming with me” serves as a powerful refrain throughout the song, emphasizing the magnitude of the impending retribution.
“Hell’s Coming With Me” draws inspiration from classic Western themes and may have been influenced by the film “Tombstone”. The song’s narrative structure and vivid storytelling have captivated listeners, prompting discussions about its deeper meanings and interpretations.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
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“Hell’s Coming With Me” Lyrics Meaning
[Intro]
They all laughed as he turned around slow
They said, “You ain’t welcome ’round here anymore
You just might as well go”
He wiped the blood from his face
As he slowly came to his knees
He said, “I’ll be back when you least expect it
And Hell’s coming with me
Hell’s coming with me”
The song opens with a scene of humiliation and rejection. The protagonist is mocked and told to leave, but he vows to return with “Hell” accompanying him. This sets the tone for the vengeful narrative that follows.
[Verse 1]
There is a hill at the bottom of the valley
Where all the poor souls go when they die
And if you listen real close, you can hear ’em like a ghost
Sayin’, “You’re never gonna make it out alive”
The first verse introduces a metaphorical hill where “poor souls” go after death. This imagery suggests a place of suffering and despair, possibly representing the injustices faced by the downtrodden.
[Verse 2]
There is a town at the bottom of that hill
They got a secret that they keep like a slave
They got a black magic preacher
And you’d do well to let him teach ya
You’ll be headin’ up that hill to the grave
The second verse describes a town harboring dark secrets, symbolized by a “black magic preacher.” This represents the corruption and evil present in the community.
[Chorus]
And it is well with my soul
You line your pockets full of money
That you steal from the poor
And on your way down to hell
You’ll hear me ring that bell
I’d pay the devil twice as much to keep your soul
The chorus introduces a complex interplay of morality. The line “it is well with my soul” contrasts with accusations of stealing from the poor. The protagonist promises retribution, even offering to “pay the devil twice as much” to ensure punishment.
[Verse 3] & [Verse 4]
There was a drifter passin’ through that little valley
See, he had promised he was comin’ back to town (Comin’ back to town)
They didn’t know him by his face (Hmm)
Or by the gun around his waist (Hm-hm)
But he’d come back to burn that town to the ground
First, there was fire, then there was smoke
Then that preacher man was hangin’ by a rope
And then they all fell to their knees
And begged that drifter, begged him, “Please”
As he raised his fist before he spoke
These verses depict the return of the protagonist, now unrecognizable, to exact his revenge. The town is set ablaze, and the corrupt preacher is executed. The townspeople beg for mercy, but the avenger is unmoved.
[Bridge]
I am the righteous hand of God
And I am the devil that you forgot
And I told you one day you will see
That I’ll be back, I guarantee
And that hell’s comin’, hell’s comin’
Hell, hell’s comin’ with me
The bridge reveals the protagonist’s dual nature as both “the righteous hand of God” and “the devil you forgot.” This duality emphasizes the complex morality of vengeance.
[Chorus]
And it is well with my soul
You line your pockets full of money
That you steal from the poor
And on your way down to hell
You’ll hear me ring that bell
And I said, “Hell’s comin’ with me” (Hell’s comin’ with me)
The song concludes with a repetition of the chorus, reinforcing the themes of retribution and justice against those who exploit the poor.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Hell’s Coming With Me”
“Hell’s Coming With Me” by Poor Man’s Poison is a powerful narrative that delves into themes of vengeance, justice, and the consequences of corruption. The song tells the story of a wronged individual who returns to a town that once cast him out, bringing retribution for their misdeeds.
At its core, the song explores the concept of justice in a morally ambiguous world. The protagonist, who describes himself as both “the righteous hand of God” and “the devil that you forgot,” embodies a complex blend of divine judgment and hellish vengeance. This duality suggests that in a world where traditional systems of justice have failed, the line between righteousness and wickedness can become blurred.
The town in the song represents a microcosm of societal corruption. It harbors dark secrets, oppresses the poor, and is led by a “black magic preacher” – a symbol of corrupted spiritual leadership. The imagery of people lining their pockets with money stolen from the poor is a stark criticism of economic inequality and the exploitation of the vulnerable by those in power.
The recurring phrase “And it is well with my soul” juxtaposed with violent actions creates a chilling contrast. It suggests that the avenger finds peace or justification in carrying out what he perceives as righteous retribution. This paradox highlights the psychological complexity of vengeance and the ways in which individuals might rationalize extreme actions in the pursuit of what they believe to be justice.
Ultimately, “Hell’s Coming With Me” serves as a dark allegory for the consequences of unchecked corruption and the cyclical nature of violence. It raises questions about the nature of justice, the corrupting influence of power, and the thin line between righteousness and revenge. The song’s vivid imagery and powerful narrative leave listeners contemplating the moral complexities of a world where traditional systems of justice have failed, and individuals feel compelled to take matters into their own hands.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.