Original Blues, Rock & Country for the Soul
Story behind the song
This song was inspired by the documentary ‘Dance of Death’ in honour of our friend Mary Alice Pollard who was associate producer of the film. Each year we will write a song in honour of Mary Alice’s birthday to reflect her lifelong dedication to saving animals and speaking up for their rights. This is the cause she chose for this year’s song.
Dance of Death
youtu.be/AIj3dZXghJk
Dance of Death, part 2
youtu.be/2PKnWh9cZS0
“In bullfighting there is a term called querencia. The querencia is the spot in the ring to which the bull returns. Each bull has a different querencia, but as the bullfight continues, and the animal becomes more threatened, it returns more and more often to his spot.
As he returns to his querencia, he becomes more predictable. And so, in the end, the matador is able to kill the bull because instead of trying something new, the bull returns to what is familiar. His comfort zone.”
Lyrics
‘The Dance of Death’
The Matador:
I will conquer you; bring your soul into this ring
I will dance with you, let it begin…
I am humanity; you are the slave to my desire
I have no empathy; you shall burn inside my fire
Impaled upon the sword, warm blood is dripping down your face
I live to bring you war, I am the master of your fate
Dance, for your life, now dance
The dance of death…
You stand alone so brave, confused, the fight you cannot win
My disabled prey, I must destroy you for my sins
I shall not fear my death; your querencia is my own
There is no hope for you, your blood the jewel in my crown
Dance, for your life, now dance
The dance of death…
Dance, for your life, now dance
The dance of death…
The Bull:
I am the dying beast; I hear the silent crying horse
I am your broken feast; my heart dies bleeding on your sword
The Matador:
Dance, for your life, now dance
The dance of death…
Dance, for your life, now dance
The dance of death…
© Maria Daines/Paul Killington
All Rights Reserved
(mcps) ASCAP
8.11.14
I'm not sure there are too many "sports" more disgusting than "bullfighting". Not into hunting for the last 50 years but at least in hunting, the animal has a glimmer of hope. The bull however is doomed from the moment he enters the ring. I don't know how you get "into character" like you do Maria to get into the mind of the matador, but it seems you certainly have. You paint a dark picture..blood red and black. A musical picture of the reality of the "sport". So much emotion in this! Paul's arrangement captures the horror so very well...with crushing guitar work that at times equals the savagery of these events. You guys never candy coat anything. Excellent work on all counts!!