Sympathy For the Dead

 

In his time, Johnny Cash sang more than one murder ballad. Adam Cohen, Kenny Rogers, Crooked Still, Sting, and Tom Waits also recorded songs in this genre. Even the consummate pop songwriter Barry Manilow wrote a song about murder (perhaps one day I will expand on these other murder-ballads).

What is it about murder ballads that catch our attention? Is it that we truly desire justice, revenge, or retribution? Or is it the horror of a train-wreck from which we cannot remove our gaze? The latest song from Key of Zed tells one such story of murder and asks the question, “Was it swift justice or retribution?” The soaring vocals, growling guitar, and haunting electric solo tell the story of two men who lose their way, and ultimately, lose their lives. There is a faint echo of a Kenny Rogers’ song; and it also makes a nod to Adam Cohen’s “Don’t Crack.” I will leave it up to readers to come to their own conclusions on the inherent question in the last line.

Sympathy for the Dead

(Listen while you read the lyrics)

Down the long dark corridor

I heard the sounds I couldn’t expect

Her clothes were strewn on the floor

My heart was frozen in my chest

Door was open just a crack

Pushed it wide for I must be sure

Gun on the floor she always packed

It would be used for this cure

It was over in an instant

Just another crime of passion

Punished to the full extent

Swift justice or retribution

The trial was over in three days

No time to hear all the facts

Nothing ‘bout his abusive ways

To explain my attack

It was over in an instant

Just another crime of passion

Punished to the full extent

Swift justice or retribution

Now the doors close on my plan

Excuses ringing in my head

Surely he was an evil man

Becky’s safe now the monster’s dead.

It was over in an instant

Just another crime of passion

Punished to the full extent

Swift justice or retribution

Down the long dark corridor

I hear from those who will wish me well

Those now standing at their doors

And those who wished I’d just go to hell

Over in an instant

Payment for a crime of passion

Punished to the full extent

Swift justice or retribution

It was over in an instant

Just another crime of passion

Punished to the full extent

Swift justice or retribution

Lyrics and music by Mike Charko and Keith Shields; Key of Zed Music, 2016;

SOCAN 2016.