Song meaning of Dark Avenger by Manowar

The lyrics of "Dark Avenger" by Manowar tell the story of a man who has been wronged by the elders and seeks revenge. After breaking the laws, he is punished by having his land and fortune taken away, and his eyes plucked out. Left to die on the shoreline, he sees his lifeblood leaving and vultures circling above him. However, the gods see his anguish and offer him a chance for vengeance.

The narrative takes a supernatural turn when the ship of the lost souls rises from the floor of the ocean to take him to a place where the undead cry and no one sleeps. In this world, the elders sing and live on his land, while death's bell rings. The man is met by the Guardian of the Lost Souls, who presents him with a sword called Vengeance, made from brimstone and tempered by the tears of the Unavenged. He is also given a demonic horse named Black Death.

With Black Death, the man embarks on his journey back to the upper world, creating destruction and seeking revenge on those who wronged him. He takes the lives of all he once knew, showing no mercy and sparing no land or servants. The chorus emphasizes burning, death, and destruction, while also mentioning the rape of daughters and wives, representing the perpetrators' total loss.

The lyrics convey a dark and vengeful message, emphasizing the protagonist's desire to seek justice and retribution for his suffering. It explores themes of betrayal, punishment, and the lengths one is willing to go to obtain revenge. The concept of a supernatural intervention and the imagery of a demonic horse and undead souls add an otherworldly and mythological aspect to the narrative. Overall, the song portrays the intense emotions associated with seeking redemption and the consequences of actions taken in the pursuit of it.