So, the song cycle proceeds with a character speaking to Adelaide, the final character in this drama. So, four people total in this story. I may as well come clean about it as it's starting to take shape. This serial killer story is based on the Ragnarok myth. I recently read Neil Gaiman's "Norse Mythology" so it has been on my mind, and coupled with all the true crime documentaries I watch I figured it would be a fun undertaking. Vincent (the speaker of this particular tune) is our Heimdall (hence why he's a toll booth worker...it gets mentioned in the lyric). In addition to his role as gatekeeper of the Rainbow Bridge to Asgard he had the gift of clairvoyance and foresight (represented by the radio chatter he mentions and the not so subtle allusion in the beginning of the tune); this "foresight" plays a role in what he's telling Adelaide (my representation of Vidar). The Gjallarhorn (represented in this song by my newest favorite toy, a Behringer Deepmind 12D) is sounded by Heimdall to summon all the Gods, giants, devils, and demons at the time of Ragnarok. Finally, now that I've pretty much given away the whole thing, the killer is a representation of Fenrir, the wolf that devours the sun and ultimately kills Odin (represented by Adelaide's father, the cop).
lyrics
Adelaide, sweet Adelaide
A shilling for your time
I’ve been hearing chatter
While I’m workin’ on the line
Adelaide, sweet Adelaide
You always lookin’ fine
Please lay down your dagger
And ease weary mind
Adelaide it’s my birthday
I’d love to make you mine
Lose ourselves in longing
For the love of lust and wine
Hungry blaze of summer days
And endless toll booth chime
Something wicked blows our way
And the Orleans Parish line
Adelaide, sweet Adelaide
My Dixieland sunshine
I heard the lawmen clamor
Caught Hell in Caroline
Adelaide, sweet Adelaide Bb
There’s a killer on the loose
They say he hears apostles pray
God’s children meet the noose
Adelaide it’s my birthday
I’d love to make you mine
Lose ourselves in longing
For the love of lust and wine
Hungry blaze of summer days
And endless toll booth chime
Some wicked blows our way
And the Orleans Parish line
Adelaide, sweet Adelaide
I heard your daddy too
He’s burnin’ up the roadway at
Mississippi Waterloo
Adelaide, this sweet Thursday
Is coming to a close
Come now sit beside me
You’re the one I love the most
Adelaide it’s my birthday
I’d love to make you mine
Lose ourselves in longing
For the love of lust and wine
Hungry blaze of summer days
And endless toll booth chime
Some wicked blows our way
And the Orleans Parish line
Wicked is the wicker man
The wolf’s approach is due
A highway man, the devil’s hand
And his fate is up to you
Adelaide, sweet Adelaide
My Dixieland sunshine
Don’t you lose that dagger
I’m afraid it’s almost time
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