Hung, Drawn And Quartered

Accept's song 'Hung, Drawn And Quartered' delves into the brutal and unforgiving nature of medieval justice. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a courtroom scene where the accused is found guilty of treason and other severe crimes. The phrase 'Hung, Drawn and Quartered' refers to a particularly gruesome method of execution used in medieval England for those convicted of high treason. This method involved hanging the condemned until near death, disemboweling and quartering them, and then displaying their body parts as a warning to others.

The song's narrative is delivered with a sense of finality and inevitability. The gavel is raised, the King is pleased, and the proceedings are brought to a close with the ultimate sentence. The lyrics emphasize the severity of the punishment, describing it as a 'crowd pleasing dissection' and a 'proclamation' that justice has been served. This reflects the historical context where public executions were not only a form of punishment but also a spectacle meant to deter others from committing similar crimes.

Moreover, the song touches on the concept of 'corruption of blood,' a legal doctrine that punished not only the individual but also their heirs by seizing their assets and titles. This adds another layer of severity to the punishment, extending the consequences beyond the individual to their family. The repeated refrain 'Hung, Drawn and Quartered' serves as a grim reminder of the ultimate price of treason and the harsh realities of medieval justice. Accept's heavy metal style, characterized by powerful guitar riffs and intense vocals, amplifies the song's dark and ominous tone, making it a compelling exploration of historical retribution.