Come Join The Murder

The song 'Come Join The Murder' by The White Buffalo is a haunting ballad that delves into themes of temptation, freedom, and the consequences of one's choices. The White Buffalo, the stage name for singer-songwriter Jake Smith, is known for his deep, resonant voice and storytelling through music, often blending elements of folk, country, and rock.

The lyrics of the song use the metaphor of a blackbird, which could symbolize temptation or a darker force, offering the narrator a chance to 'join the murder'—a term for a group of crows—and gain freedom from the 'human trap.' This offer of freedom and power is likened to touching 'the hand of God,' suggesting a divine or transcendent experience. However, the song also references figures known for their speeches and leadership, Martin Luther and Pericles, hinting at the seductive nature of power and the ability of words to sway. The narrator's journey is one of succumbing to this call, only to realize the emptiness and deceit behind the promised freedom and glory.

The song's narrative arc follows the protagonist's fall from grace, similar to the mythological Icarus, whose wax wings melted when he flew too close to the sun. The protagonist feels betrayed, as the freedom he sought led to his downfall, much like Judas in Christian lore. The blackbird, once a symbol of alluring power, becomes a figure of hate and deception. The song ends with a sense of loss and disillusionment, as the protagonist recognizes the irreversible path he has taken, now too far gone to return to innocence.