Lyric Analysis

… "And I heard, as it were, the noise of thunder. One of the four beasts saying, 'Come and see.' and I saw, and behold a white horse".

Verse 1

… There's a man goin' 'round takin' names

And he decides who to free and who to blame

Everybody won't be treated all the same

There'll be a golden ladder reachin' down

When the man comes around

The "man" in the lyrics is likely a reference to God or a biblical figure, who is taking account of people's actions and deciding their fate. The idea of "takin' names" suggests that everyone's actions are being recorded and remembered. The line "Everybody won't be treated all the same" suggests that people will be judged based on their actions, and some will be held accountable for their wrongdoings. The line "There'll be a golden ladder reachin' down" may refer to the idea of salvation or redemption for those who have lived good lives. Overall, the lyrics suggest a sense of urgency and the idea that people should be mindful of their actions and their impact on others.

Verse 2

… The hairs on your arm will stand up

At the terror in each sip and in each sup

Will you partake of that last offered cup

Or disappear into the potter's ground?

When the man comes around

This song is believed to be about the end of the world and the second coming of Christ. The lines you quoted describe the fear and uncertainty that people will experience when faced with the judgment of God. The "man" mentioned in the song could be a metaphor for God or a representation of the judgment that people will face. The lines suggest that people will have to make a choice about whether to accept God's grace or face the consequences of their actions. The imagery of the "golden ladder" and the "potter's ground" suggest that there will be a clear distinction between those who have been saved and those who have not. 

Chorus 1

… Hear the trumpets hear the pipers
One hundred million angels singin'
Multitudes are marchin' to the big kettledrum
Voices callin', voices cryin'
Some are born and some are dyin'
It's alpha and omega's kingdom come

And the whirlwind is in the thorn tree
The virgins are all trimming their wicks
The whirlwind is in the thorn tree
It's hard for thee to kick against the pricks

These lyrics describe the events of the apocalypse, as prophesied in the Bible. The trumpets and pipers, as well as the angels singing, symbolize the call to judgment. The "big kettledrum" represents the end of the world.

The voices calling and crying refer to the people who are either being saved or damned, depending on the judgment. The alpha and omega symbolize the beginning and the end of everything, referring to God's reign.

The line "It's hard for thee to kick against the pricks" is a reference to the Apostle Paul's conversion to Christianity, as told in the Bible. It means that it's difficult to resist God's will or to fight against fate.

Verse 3

… Till armageddon no shalam, no shalom

Then the father hen will call his chickens home

The wise man will bow down before the throne

And at his feet they'll cast their golden crowns

When the man comes around

Verse 4

… Whoever is unjust let him be unjust still

Whoever is righteous let him be righteous still

Whoever is filthy let him be filthy still

Listen to the words long written down

When the man comes around

Outtro

In measured hundredweight and penny pound. When the man comes around.

… "And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts. And I looked, and behold a pale horse. 

And his name that sat on him was death, and hell followed with him"