‘The Royal Head is Severed’ is a 1649 ballad about the regicide of King Charles I, ending the English Civil War. It’s shown from three views. The first is that of Oliver Cromwell, de facto leader of the English Commonwealth. The lyrics express his own seizing of power, holding ‘the sceptre and crown’ as a metaphor for his military dictatorship overruling the populace and Parliament.
The second point of view is from the late King Charles, speaking of how Cromwell and the new regime was destroying his Image and reputation. The second half of the section expresses faith for his son, the future King Charles II, to regain the throne and bring revenge upon the Roundheads and Cromwell the ‘catif’ meaning coward.
The third point of view is the ideas and beliefs of the common Englishmen, the people of the country experiencing the tyranny of the new regime. It explains the depression and the new regime’s suppression against royalists and all else who don’t conform. It ends hoping for the return of the Monarchy and the exiled King Charles II.
Recording done by the band ‘Strawhead’ I don’t own the music in any way.