Song meaning of Turkish Song of the Damned by The Pogues

The lyrics of "Turkish Song of the Damned" by The Pogues seem to convey a message of impending doom and the consequences that come with it. The song starts by describing how the narrator comes from Hell itself across a rotting sea, suggesting a dark and gloomy atmosphere. The lines "Nor the nails of the cross, nor the blood of Christ can bring you hope this eve" imply that no form of redemption or salvation can save the listener from their fate.

The chorus introduces the idea of a debt owed to the dead, who have come to claim it. The dead are depicted as ominous figures, with mentions of the "dead man's wind" and a woman with a comb in her hand, representing a sense of foreboding and sorrow. Despite this, the listener is described as dancing to the "Turkish song of the damned," suggesting a kind of obliviousness or refusal to acknowledge the impending consequences.

The second verse alludes to past events, where the listener left the narrator to face the consequences alone. The debt described here seems metaphorical, representing guilt or a burden that cannot be lifted. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the idea that the consequences cannot be avoided.

In the final verse, the narrator sees fear in the listener's face, implying that they too will soon face the consequences. The specter on the narrator's back represents the burden they have carried, which will soon be released. The dead have arrived to claim their debt, suggesting a reckoning or punishment.

Overall, the lyrics of "Turkish Song of the Damned" convey a sense of inevitability and the consequences of one's actions or choices. The song serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of facing and addressing one's responsibilities before it is too late.