Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: singer-songwriter
Song Meaning of “Justice Delivers Its Death” by Sufjan Stevens
Justice Delivers Its Death is a song that explores the implications of justice and judgement, particularly as it relates to faith. It speaks of justice as a source of death, a looming and inevitable looming darkness. It reflects a dark concept but with a calming tone, suggesting that fate and justice cannot be avoided. As the lyrics suggest, “So fly me away, let me find solace in my faith,” one can’t help but contemplate the depth of the message of the song.
The chorus reiterates that “justice delivers its death” and elaborates on the idea: “It drowns us in mercy and mercy brings us hope.” Again, justice and mercy are complicated terms here, and in this case, they’re juxtaposed to each other to create tension between what’s right and wrong. Ultimately, the song suggests that the only way to look forward is to have faith and hope in the mercy that justice brings.
The song speaks of a journey—a personal journey toward inner peace and understanding—but it is a journey that begins with accepting the inevitability of death. It’s a reminder that taking responsibility for one’s own actions in life is just as important as finding a place of solace and reflection to bring inner peace. And, in the end, justice will deliver its own death.