Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: folk
Song Meaning of “The Curse of Elkhart” by Murder By Death
‘The Curse of Elkhart’ by Murder By Death paints a vivid and sorrowful portrait of a small town, and how it slowly falls under a mysterious curse. The lyrics explore feelings of helplessness, fear, and struggle as the townspeople try to protect themselves from the mysterious curse. The narrator reflects on the doomed town’s history, and how it was once a vibrant and happy place. He speaks of the “dark clouds gathering” as the curse makes its way across the landscape, bringing destruction and despair to an otherwise peaceful place. The chorus of the song describes the destruction caused by the curse, as the townspeople struggle against it, only to find that it only grows stronger and stronger, consuming everything in its path.
The song serves as an ode to Elkhart, which serves as a metaphor for all of the towns and communities that are faced with seemingly insurmountable struggles and threats. In the end, the narrator acknowledges the fatalistic inevitability of the town’s fate, singing “we all knew that the end was near”. The song ultimately serves as a reminder to cherish the joy and peace of life and to not take it for granted, as it can be taken away so quickly.