This song is a tribute to Wayne Ford, a fan who was diagnosed with leukemia and passed away in 2015. In the years leading up to his passing, Randy had become good friends with the fan, who served as a huge inspiration. This song is dedicated to our fallen metal brother.
[Verse 1]
No one lives forever, but you can't escape from life
Every day could be your last, so consider your demise
Mine has drawn so near, stare into the eyes of the end
Leaping now without fear, the time that's left to spend
[Pre-Chorus]
The time that's left to spend!
The time that's left to…
[Chorus]
Look up in the night, see me ride across the sky
Hanging there above, far away, but so nearby
I am the smoke on the wind, burning in your eyes
Cast aside an empty shell, but I will never die
[Verse 2]
This world has grown too small, I can't stay much longer
My body begins to fail as my spirit grows stronger
It's time for me to go, the circle closed as the snake eats its tail
Lay my burden down, walking free beyond the veil
[Pre-Chorus]
No time is left to spend!
The time that's left to…
[Chorus]
Look up in the night, see me ride across the sky
Hanging there above, far away, but so nearby
I am the smoke on the wind, burning in your eyes
Cast aside an empty shell, but I will never die
[Bridge]
I will never die
I will never die
I will never die
[Guitar Solo]
[Chorus]
Look up in the night, see me ride across the sky
Hanging there above, far away, but so nearby
I am the smoke on the wind, burning in your eyes
Cast aside an empty shell, but I will never die
[Outro]
I will never die
Never die
I will never die
The Duke was written by Mark Morton & Chris Adler & John Campbell & Randy Blythe & Willie Adler.
The Duke was produced by Josh Wilbur.
Lamb of God released The Duke on Mon Oct 24 2016.
Randy wrote up an entire piece about his experience getting to know Wayne:
http://lamb-of-god.com/TheDuke/
Lamb of God have also uploaded a narration of the above piece:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i34ac3GWP-0
In regard to the title of the song, Randy had this to say in an interview with Rol...