Babylon's Burning

W.A.S.P.'s song 'Babylon's Burning' delves into apocalyptic themes, drawing heavily from the Book of Revelation in the Bible. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of chaos and destruction, referencing John the Revelator's prophetic visions. The imagery of 'hooves you hear' and 'thunders coming dread' sets a foreboding tone, suggesting the arrival of a catastrophic event. The mention of 'six hundred 6, 6 and 7 seals' and 'a pale rider and his horses' directly alludes to the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, symbolizing conquest, war, famine, and death.

The song's chorus, 'Babylon's a-burning,' signifies the fall of Babylon, a metaphor for a corrupt and sinful society facing divine retribution. The 'rising beast' and 'mark of Babylon' refer to the Antichrist and the mark of the beast, central figures in apocalyptic literature. The 'whore of Babylon' is another biblical reference, symbolizing false religion and moral decay. The lyrics describe a scene where people 'bowed and kneeled a mark to seal their souls unto a kiss,' indicating their submission to evil forces and the loss of their souls.

The final verses of the song emphasize the power and terror of the beast, with 'ten horns and seven heads' and 'ten crowns upon his head.' This beast is given 'great things to speak,' representing the spread of blasphemy and falsehoods. The repeated call, 'If any man has an ear, let him hear,' serves as a warning to listeners to heed the message and be aware of the impending doom. W.A.S.P. uses these biblical references and apocalyptic imagery to create a powerful narrative about the consequences of moral and spiritual corruption.