Beast and the Harlot is the first song off of Avenged Sevenfold's 2005 album, City of Evil. It's a song that is inspired by the story about Babylon the Great (the Whore of Babylon) from the Book of Revelations. Many other biblical references are recognized, as well. It has made notable appearances in Guitar Hero, Rocksmith, Burnout, and numerous other games.
A music video released was referencing the biblical notations noted in the song lyrics. They compared the temptations of Babylon to that of Hollywood. Many Avenged Sevenfold fans were allowed to participate in the video, as well. They were covered in black makeup, similar to the makeup used to depict one losing their soul, which was shown at many points throughout the video (i.e. the child with the lollipop, the woman that signed the contract, the heckler in the bar, the pole dancer). The band members were also shown in their usual attire during this era (makeup, piercings, grills, and dyed hair, as well as dark/all black clothing).
Lyrics[]
This shining city built of gold, a far cry from innocence
There's more than meets the eye round here look to the waters of the deep
A city of evil
There sat a seven-headed beast, ten horns raised from his heads
Symbolic woman sits on his throne, but hatred strips her and leaves her naked
The Beast and the Harlot
She's a dwelling place for demons, she's a cage for every unclean spirit, every filthy bird
And makes us drink the poisoned wine to fornicating with our kings
Fallen now is Babylon the Great
The city dressed in jewels and gold, fine linen
Myrrh and pearls
Her plagues will come all at once as her mourners watch her burn
Destroyed in an hour
Merchants and captains of the world, sailors, navigators too
Will weep and mourn this loss with her sins piled to the sky
The Beast and the Harlot
She's a dwelling place for demons, she's a cage for every unclean spirit, every filthy bird
And makes us drink the poisoned wine to fornicating with our kings
Fallen now is Babylon the Great
The day has come for all us sinners
If you're not a servant you'll be struck to the ground
Flee the burning, greedy city looking back on her to see there's nothin' around
I don't believe in fairy tales
And no one wants to go to Hell
You made the wrong decision
And it's easy to see
Now if you want to serve above or be a king below with us
You're welcome to the city where your future is set forever
She's a dwelling place for demons, she's a cage for every unclean spirit, every filthy bird
And makes us drink the poisoned wine to fornicating with our kings
Fallen now is Babylon the Great
She's a dwelling place for demons, she's a cage for every unclean spirit, every filthy bird
And makes us drink the poisoned wine to fornicating with our kings
Fallen now is Babylon the Great
Meaning[]
Music Video[]
Avenged Sevenfold - Beast And The Harlot (Video)