Dio – Last In Line lyrics

Songs and poems can all mean different things to the reader/listener - with that said, what I imagine the song to be about every time I hear it, is an epic medieval quest - a D&D style fantasy adventure. The heroes are returning home after having braved the unknown and having defeated the enemy (probably a witch, if in fact that's to be taken literally.)

The gentle intro simulates the heroes' ship gliding across the sea as they are all returning home together, triumphant. This takes place in fall or winter, somewhere toward the East; it's cold, but the sea is forgiving. They're basking in glory and enjoying the ride, back to their people, who will hail them as heroes. They can laugh without a tear because they didn't lose a single soul during their adventure. They had their hopes and were allowed to express them without fear.
The "...we are coming... HOOOOOOOOOOOOME!!!" is symbolic of how the heroes felt as they leaned over the ship's rails, perhaps even one of them literally yelled or sang this toward the gray sky above the billowing sail – loud enough for the gods to hear.

“We’re off to the witch” is actually the story’s beginning. This is the tale of their adventure. No one is guaranteed to survive the epic journey, but imagine the magic and glory that awaits those that do. The spoils, the treasures, the memories one can pass down through generations. One would be a fool to pass this up, but only a select number would become heroes.

The camaraderie and merriment of the heroes are no doubt warm, but they must all get into character as the ship nears wherever their target is. They must become fearless and cold. There won’t be time for hesitation in what they must do. (Cold without the warm/Colder when we’re near.)

“We’re all born upon the cross” is a reference to man’s imperfections and facing judgment. A hero must be true to himself. A “throw before the toss” is making rash decisions without thinking them through, also becoming judged.

“Fire and stone” refers to the party of adventurers – warriors and spellcasters. The “hand that writes” is the tale being told by whoever remembers what took place. There’s no time to keep a journal, so the hand that writes figuratively “quickly moves away.”

Knowing for the first time if one is “evil or divine” is a test of character. Is the quest noble, or will this be murder? The hero must believe in what he has been tasked with. If it’s noble, then the heroes are to be divine. Being “last in line” is a reference to it being such a difficult quest – when compared to those who would have surely perished, or to those who would not (or could not) volunteer themselves, the heroes see themselves as being last in line.

If the “witch” is an angel or a beast, that would depend on one’s perspective. Are the heroes good or bad? They’re just somewhere in between, if given a fair analysis. (This witch in particular, or witches of the past, may have been wrongly accused, making her innocent. She could just be a suspicious hermit.)

Dying “upon the tooth” is a reference to facing whatever other deadly creatures may be out there. They may be the witch’s guardians. Again, the thrill of the chase is worth whatever pains the heroes may endure.

The heroes return victorious, dear reader - SEE HOW THEY SHINE!