Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: goth
Song Meaning of “The Ballad of Clarence Heckles” by Ghoultown
The Ballad of Clarence Heckles is a tale of a man who’s made a deal with the devil to experience a life full of fame and fortune. Clarence Heckles was a man who had become so desperate for a life of wealth and power that it caused him to make an immoral agreement with the devil. The song paints an image of him as a reckless man who gives it all away for the quick reward of fame and money.
The lyrics tell the story of Clarence as he trades his soul for these quick and fleeting victories. He finds himself moving further and further away from his faith and morality with each passing day. As the lyrics progress, the tone shifts to a more regretful one as Clarence realizes that he has made a mistake. He mourns the losses and consequences that come with his selfish decisions. In the end, we see that Clarence ends up in eternal servitude. He is stuck with the devil in damnation for all eternity, which serves as a warning for the listener; when playing with the devil’s fire, there is always a price to be paid.