Shed a tear for the criminal, give him something to believe
Light a fire for the miserable, give the darkness some meaning
Closed wounds harbor pestilence, when you lick them from within
Charity has a redolence chastity cannot rescind

Spirit shine, it's a sign
Of a troubled mind (tortured mind)
Spirit shine all the time
Can render you blind

You can take it all to heart or throw it all away
You can give until you're dry and sucked of all your gleam
You can fake another cry and compromise your dream

Cling tight to the parable - let it dominate your life
Create a god who's infallible - give your leader some respite
Clouds wounds harbor pestilence - when you lick them from within
Rosy smiles lose their radience - when you take it on the chin


Lyrics submitted by gymclasshero

Spirit Shine Lyrics as written by Greg Graffin Brian Champtaloup Baker

Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

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Spirit Shine song meanings
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    General Comment

    I agree with convergence's interpretation, but I don't think the song is exclusively talking about religious people, but people who almost compulsively take the moral high-ground or are carebears (ie, go to candle-light vigils for dead prisoners they never met, join peace corps, complain about what an injustice it is that the live=action Akira film isn't casting jap actors, etc.) People who want everything to be 'right' or 'fair' or safe, but can't stomach reality, and only get depressed and give up when they have to deal with harsh situations first-hand.

    Holzwegeon September 23, 2011   Link

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