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Off with his Head ! : Song

Off with his Head ! is the first song of the B side of the album. It's an intense song that explores the story of Salome, known for her role in the execution of John the Baptist. The song captures the seductive and manipulative nature of Salome as she dances for Herod, ultimately leading to the prophet's beheading.

The lyrics vividly depict Salome's enchantment and control, invoking the goddess Astarté to enhance her power. The chorus, with its fierce declaration Off with his head, highlights the deadly consequences of her actions. The glam rock rhythm and dark imagery create a sinister and compelling atmosphere.

Musically, the song combines powerful vocals, driving guitar riffs, and a dramatic structure that mirrors the tension and intensity of the narrative. The bridge and guitar solo add to the sense of impending doom and highlight the climactic moment of the story.

Overall, Off with His Head effectively blends historical and mythological elements with a rock aesthetic, creating a haunting portrayal of Salome's lethal seduction and the tragic fate of John the Baptist.

Salome

Salome is a historical and biblical figure best known for her role in the execution of John the Baptist. Her story appears in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels of Mark and Matthew. According to these accounts, Salome was the daughter of Herodias and the stepdaughter of Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee.

The most famous aspect of Salome's story is her dance, often referred to as the Dance of the Seven Veils. At her mother Herodias's behest, Salome danced for Herod Antipas on his birthday. Pleased by her performance, Herod promised to grant her any wish. At her mother's instigation, Salome requested the head of John the Baptist on a platter, a request Herod reluctantly fulfilled.

Beyond this biblical narrative, historical details about Salome are sparse. She is believed to have lived during the early 1st century CE, but much of her life remains shrouded in mystery. Some sources suggest that she later married and had a life away from the public eye, but concrete evidence is lacking.

Over time, Salome's image has been shaped by various interpretations and cultural portrayals. In literature and art, she is often depicted as a femme fatale, a symbol of dangerous female seduction and manipulation. One of the most notable interpretations is found in Oscar Wilde's play Salome, which further cemented her reputation in popular culture.

Additionally, there are occasional references to Salome being a priestess of Astarté, a goddess associated with love, fertility, and war in ancient Semitic religions. This connection, while not historically verified, adds a layer of mystique and divine influence to her character.

Despite the limited historical information, Salome's story has left a lasting impact on Western culture, embodying themes of desire, power, and the tragic consequences of manipulation.

Lyrics

Off with his head !

[Verse 1]
In a palace of deceit, where shadows play their game,
I dance for Astarté, invoking her mighty name,
I, Salomé, with fire in my eyes,
My moves are pure enchantment, beneath the starlit skies.

[Pre-Chorus]
I call upon the goddess, where Astarté's power lies,
Her whispers fill the silence, her secrets in my sighs,
Herod's heart is beating, entranced by my command,
To honor my devotion, he’ll fall by my hand.

[Chorus]
Off with his head, the cry of the night,
My dance for Astarté, where the virtuous die,
A hard rock rhythm, a haunting dread,
In the temple of passion, Bloodshed !

[Verse 2]
My veils, they tell a story, of power and desire,
Astarte guides my footsteps, sets my heart on fire,
In the shadows of her temple, I find my wicked thrill,
To see the prophet's downfall, to bend him to my will.

[Pre-Chorus]
I call upon the goddess, where Astarté's power lies,
Her whispers fill the silence, her secrets in my sighs,
Herod's heart is beating, entranced by my command,
To honor my devotion, he’ll fall by my hand.

[Chorus]
Off with his head, the cry of the night,
My dance for Astarté, where the virtuous die,
A hard rock rhythm, a haunting dread,
In the temple of passion, Bloodshed !

[Guitar Solo]

[Verse 3]
Astarte, hear me calling, from the depths of my soul,
As your devoted priestess, under your control,
In this tale of glory, a prophecy is told,
A headless truth emerging, a legend to behold.

[Chorus]
Off with his head, the cry of the night,
My dance for Astarté, where the virtuous die,
A hard rock rhythm, a haunting dread,
In the temple of passion, Bloodshed !

[Outro]
Off with his head, the echoes will remain,
A song of power and passion, love entwined with pain,
My dance for Astarté, a legacy to show,
In the shadows of history, my legend will grow.

Off with his head!

Off with his head!

Off with his head!

Bloodshed !

Off with his Head !
Immortals lead singer
Song information
Songwriters Cleopatra (lyrics), Immortals (music)
Length 3:44
Genre Glam Metal, Punk Rock, Hard Rock