The song Thunderclaps by The Horrors appears to be a dark and ominous depiction of a slaughterhouse as well as the violence and brutality of life. The lyrics suggest that the speaker is witnessing a spectacle unfolding before them, one that involves the slaughtering of animals. The word "thunderclaps" itself seems to suggest the violent sounds that accompany such an operation. The song describes the workers as machine-like, with one mighty hand that is capable of carrying out such violence with ease. The speaker notes the heaviness of the workers' feet, emphasizing their weight and the brutality of their actions. The chorus of the song appears to be a plea for help or escape, with the speaker saying they cannot continue to witness the violence. They suggest that they may even take their own life as a result. Overall, Thunderclaps seems to be a commentary on the violence that is often inherent in life, particularly in industries like the slaughterhouse. The song suggests that such violence may be too much for some individuals to bear and that they may need help to cope with it.