The book “Hog On Ice & Other Curious Expressions” by Charles Earle Funk explains that “hell- bent” is an American term to meaning to go all out “regardless of consequences.” Edward Kent was campaigning to be governor of Maine in 1840 after serving one term and losing the next election. His Whig party used the campaign slogan “hell-bent for election.” Their victory song mentions “On, have you heard how old Maine went? She went hell-bent for Governor Kent.”