Crown of Worms (Demo Version)
Anthology: Set the World Afire
2008
Duration: 3:18
Track number: 16
Writers
Lyrics by: Dave Mustaine, Sean Harris
Music by: Dave Mustaine, Sean Harris
Theme
Originally a B-side from the Japanese release of the *Youthanasia* album and later included here, **'Crown of Worms'** is a dark track exploring themes of **self-aggrandizement, megalomania, and ultimate self-destruction**. The lyrics adopt the persona of a tyrannical figure ('Lord of the city') who prides himself on his wickedness ('I care for no one, my gospel is death'). The 'crown of worms' is a powerful metaphor for the worthless, agonizing, and deceitful nature of this self-proclaimed 'splendid fall.'
Lyrics
I am the author, dream up your pain
Drink as did Bacchus, rebel just like Cain
Lord of the city, I shall remain
All pandemonium, I shall reign
Sit in my fortress, up on my hill
Drinking the wine 'til I've had my fill
Building up high, my castle walls
Oh, to veil my splendid fall
I present you, I present to you
I present you this **crown of worms**
Surrounding myself with misery
Drawn curtains heavy of my history
Exquisite I am, perfect unity
On my left hand is false majesty
I feign affection, refute the true story
Dispute with creation, the lie is my glory
I care for no one, my gospel is death
For me the light's gone, only darkness is left
I present you, I present to you
I present you this **crown of worms**
As black in deed, as cold as stone
A commandment of one, as proud as gold
As neglected in spirit, as time is old
As legion is numbers, as legend is told
I am alone with the agony of truth
My power of will, my judgement and chain
My end is knowledge and conscience of guilt
My final confusion hidden from me 'til I'm done
I present you, I present to you
I present you this **crown of worms**





