Text written by WikiBrother Gabriel Brandino , from @moshinhell
Today
we're going to analyze the lyrics of "Omerta" by the band Lamb of God . The word "Omerta" comes from Latin and means "Humility." This is a very common term in the Neapolitan language and defines a code of honor for Mafia organizations in Southern Italy. It's based on a strong sense of family and a vow of silence that prevents cooperation with police or judicial authorities. And the Mafioso who breaks this code of honor automatically becomes a traitor and an enemy, where his only forgiveness is death.
The song begins with a speech where the vocalist, Randy Blythe , says:
"
He who appeals to the law against his fellow man is either a fool or a coward.
He who cannot take care of himself without that law is both.
To a wounded man he must say to his aggressor: If I live, I will kill you; if I die, you are forgiven.
Such is the law of honor."
The song uses the biblical story of Jesus by Judas Iscariot to illustrate the consequences of breaking the "omertah."
"
This is what was done for 30 pieces of silver.
The tongues of men and angels bought by a beloved traitor."
According to the Gospels, he agrees to hand Jesus to the authorities in exchange for 30 pieces of silver, which leads to the crucifixion of his master.
“Words made to live in darkness should never see the light of day.
Words can be broken, bones too.
Execute the order.”
Jesus ' words were of no use , since even after all his discourse, in the end he is betrayed anyway.
"Execute the order" could be an allusion to "omertà," where Judas should have remained silent, but in vain
.
The song continues with the following verse:
"
His name was removed from the book [...]
Saint Peter greets with empty eyes, then turns and locks the gate.
"
Probably because Judas repented, and later threw the silver coins inside the temple and, abandoning that place, hanged himself, and died, being later buried in an unmarked grave.
The
band references Judas , however, it is a timeless song, where betrayal is synonymous with death, not always literally as "omertà" predicts, but the death of one's trust.
