Re- the misogyny of the lyrics. At least some of the lyric was actually written by Barry Mason's then wife Sylvan Whittingham.   She didn't get a credit due to marriage and song writing misogyny - also of course Les Reed and Barry Mason were considered one of those song writing duo teams, so a third party credit would have got in the way of their 'brand'. She did later get a settlement, but Sylvan's name still isn't down as a co-writer.

I see the song as being in the folk tradition of murder ballads with redemption, or a price to pay. Here it is obvious the protagonist has flipped in a crime of passion. As it says they are going to come to break down the door - the listener can make their own ending up. So he would either 'top himself', or get the force of the law falling upon him.

I am also reminded of Olivia Newton John, singing 'Banks of the Ohio'.. that one will have to go next!