Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: goth
Song Meaning of “He of Cloven Hoof” by Those Poor Bastards
This hauntingly beautiful song paints a picture of someone who is deeply lost and out of touch with reality. The lyrics, “He of Cloven Hoof, forgotten old bugger/Drifting on down the tide, his thoughts are getting bigger,” illustrate the protagonist’s lack of direction, and their feeling of being adrift in life. The term “cloven hoof” is often associated with the Devil, possibly suggesting the character has done something morally questionable in the past and is now paying the price. The chorus, “As he rides through his old world of obscure distinctions/The horizon reveals the answer to his affliction,” implies that the protagonist is searching for some kind of answer or solution, but so far none has been found. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for any of life’s struggles: the search for meaning in a confusing world, learning to cope with painful memories, or finding a way to move on from difficult times. Ultimately, it is up to the listener to interpret the song’s meaning in whichever way resonates with them.