Chapter Four

Avenged Sevenfold's 'Chapter Four' delves into a narrative rich with biblical references, particularly the story of Cain and Abel from the Book of Genesis. The song's lyrics explore themes of fratricide, guilt, and divine punishment, encapsulating the emotional turmoil and moral consequences of Cain's actions. The opening lines, 'Give me your hand (conceived and born was one of light) / Blood is spilt and man will follow,' set the stage for a tale of betrayal and the ensuing fallout. The 'one of light' and 'the other born black night' metaphorically represent the contrasting natures of Cain and Abel, with Cain embodying darkness and sin.

The chorus, 'I've come here to kill you / Won't leave until you've died / Murder born of vengeance / I closed my brother's eyes tonight,' vividly portrays Cain's act of murder driven by jealousy and vengeance. This act leads to his fall from grace, as highlighted in the lines, 'Raise your head and taste the courage (the one of light) / Fall from grace, unholy night.' The song captures the gravity of Cain's sin and the irreversible impact it has on his life and soul.

As the song progresses, the lyrics shift to Cain's punishment and exile, 'Far away in this land I must go / Out of the sight of the One / A punishment sent from His hands / A hardship that no one should know.' This reflects the biblical narrative where Cain is condemned to wander the earth, marked and ostracized. The repeated refrain, 'Now go out of the sight of the One / Away in this land you must go,' emphasizes his eternal separation from divine grace and the weight of his guilt. Avenged Sevenfold's powerful instrumentation and M. Shadows' intense vocal delivery amplify the song's dark and somber themes, making 'Chapter Four' a compelling exploration of sin, punishment, and the human condition.