Songfacts®:

• This song is based on the Mafia code of Omerta (literally "Manhood"), which is the "Code of Silence," meaning that if one is falsely accused of a crime or caught, they will not tell who actually did it: "A slip of the tongue, a slit of the throat" - if you squeal, you will die. >>>

  Suggestion credit:
  Theo - Boston, MA
• The spoken section in the beginning ("Whoever appeals to the law against his fellow man is either a fool or a coward...") is an interpretation of the Omerta code.
• The song uses the biblical story of Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus to show the consequences of breaking "omerta":
  
  This is what has been wrought for 30 pieces of silver
  The tongues of men and angels bought by a beloved betrayer
  
  Judas was one of Jesus' 12 disciples. As told in the Gospels, he agrees to turn Jesus over to the authorities in exchange for 30 pieces of silver, which leads to his master's crucifixion. To make matters worse, he uses an act of loyalty to seal his act of betrayal. In Mark 14:43-45, Judas tells the priests how they can identify Jesus: "The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard."
  
  Judas, the "beloved betrayer," soon feels guilty and tries to return the money and claim Jesus's innocence. But it's too late. The elders refuse to take back the blood money or free Jesus, certain his growing popularity and radical views would be Israel's downfall. Judas throws the pieces of silver in the temple and goes off to hang himself (Matthew 27:3-10).
• Your name is removed from the registry
  St. Peter greets with empty eyes then turns and locks the gate
  
  Judas wasn't the only disciple to turn his back on Jesus. Three separate times after Jesus' arrest, Peter denied ever knowing him. However, Peter repented and was forgiven, allowing him to keep the job Jesus promised him in Matthew 19:19: "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven." The registry is a record of names of those allowed into heaven.