"The Worms Crawl In" by Harley Poe is a dark and macabre song that uses gruesome imagery to explore the theme of mortality and the inevitability of death. The lyrics depict the decomposition and devouring of a corpse by worms after being buried in a coffin. In the song, the narrative begins with a hearse passing by, reminding listeners that anyone could be the next to die. The verse describes the process of being wrapped in a white sheet, placed in a black box, and buried underground. After about a week, the coffin begins to leak, indicating the decay of the body. The chorus focuses on the worms, symbolizing the natural process of decomposition. They crawl in and out of various body parts, including the eyes, nose, stomach, and even the brain. The lyrics suggest that the worms feed on the remains and even play card games on the corpse's snout. The song continues with graphic descriptions of the body's deterioration, including the caving in of the chest, the popping out of eyes, and the turning of the brain into sauerkraut. The worms invite their friends to join in the feast, emphasizing the relentless cycle of life and death. Overall, the lyrics paint a vivid and unsettling picture of decay and highlight the fragility and transience of human existence. It serves as a reminder to contemplate mortality and appreciate the fleeting nature of life.
