The song "Sudden Death" by John Cale tells a story of unsettling events and the reactions of different individuals to a violent incident. The lyrics depict a conference ending and the minister of justice appearing exhausted. Unbeknownst to them, a gunman on the roof carefully selects their target and suddenly takes a life. The army is on high alert, observing everything but avoiding eye contact. The situation is unexpected, and ignorance prevails as people prefer not to acknowledge the disturbing truth. The lyrics imply that such violent incidents could happen anywhere, catching people off guard. News agencies like UPI and Reuters quickly report the incident, providing details about the casualties. The front-page rumors circulate, and journalists, just doing their job, can't do much to prevent such sudden death occurrences. At a local bar, someone talks too loudly, attracting attention. They are swiftly dealt with, and those around them boast about the way they died. It becomes clear that people are unaware of the reality and consequences of sudden death. Meanwhile, ships are departing from the port, filled with tourists disguised as regular passengers. They claim to have seen enough and are indifferent to the living or the dead. All they desire is to escape the unsettling environment and the threat of sudden death. Overall, John Cale's "Sudden Death" reflects on the shocking nature of violence, how people react and attempt to distance themselves from it, and the role of the media in reporting such incidents. It highlights the unpredictability of life and the discomfort caused by the presence of sudden death.
