The friend is ashamed in front of Mumford, so Mumford sings, "Don't look away / Couldn't help but note the coldest thing / In your precious face." The coldness, here, is likely a reference to a lack of emotion. ![]() Just as the Greeks stood at the "gates of Hell" to fight the Persians against all odds to protect their country, Mumford wants his friend to fight on ferociously against one of humankind's most dangerous enemies, depression. The mythology and history of the title enhance the power of the story by suggesting that Mumford's friend's battle with depression is more epic than most would suppose. According to Wikipedia, it's translated into Greek as "Thermopylae," the site, not only of the last stand of 300 Spartan warriors against innumerable Persians, but also the mythological entrance to Hades. The name "Hot Gates" is significant as well. The music is mostly soft and quiet, though it contains the powerful swells that have been a signature of the style on Wilder Mind. The song, itself, lyrics and music together, is a powerful, complicated plea for life. ![]() It's a sharp and clear cry that begs a friend considering suicide to choose to keep fighting on. " Hot Gates" is, by far, the most pointed and purposeful song on Mumford & Sons's Wilder Mindalbum.
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