| Dropkick Murphys – Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya Lyrics | 16 years ago |
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Pyro_man 099 is correct in the origin of the song. However, if yo listen to the lyrics you will see they paint a different picture than Johnny being a simple victim of British imperialism. In the song Johnny joins the army to run away from his pregnant girlfriend: "Why did ye run from me and the child?" "Where are the legs with which ye run?" Johnny, missing arms, legs, and eyes, is welcomed home by his former lover who calls him a coward ("spineless") and mocks his predicament ("you'll have to be put in a bowl to beg."). I don't think this is a happy homecoming and Johnny pays a heavy price for trying to escape his responsibilities. The Dropkick Murphys also sing out against father's who abandon their children in "Walk Away." |
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| Flogging Molly – If I Ever Leave This World Alive Lyrics | 16 years ago |
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I would like to thank everyone for their insights into this wonderful song. I agree with the those who have said that they see themes of caring on after loss. However, I have a very specific interpretation of these lyrics based on 1 Corinthians 15:22, "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." I believe "leaving the world" refers to physical death, passing from this mortal life to another. While the "alive" part refers to spiritual life. Most Christian theologians would agree that to be alive in Christ means to match your thoughts and actions to those modeled by the Savior and thus receiving his life and light into your life guaranteeing your salvation. Thus "if I ever leave this world alive" means "if I should die in a state of spiritual purity having atoned for my sins and performed the Lord's work here on Earth." I think the first verse is addressed to Christ himself expressing the singer's gratitude and love for the Savior. After shuffing off this mortal coil the singer will sit beside the Savior's feet "like a little child" and receive further teaching. "Wherever I am" (i.e. this world or the next) "you will always be more than just a memory" means that Jesus will always be close to the singer's heart and countenance. The following verses, on the other hand, I feel are directed toward a loved one being left behind. I always think of my wife, but it could just as easily be a girlfriend, child, or other loved one. "I'll take on the sadness that I left behind" to me ties into the first verse indicating repentance for his sins, making amends for the pain he has caused whether intentional or not. I believe the next part of that verse is intended to comfort the loved one left behind. To someone who has just lost a spouse or other loved one life may seem chaotic, mad and weird. In this section the singer is saying that he will watch over her, comfort, and protect her. This type of spiritual freedom on the other side can only be expected if the deceased died in a virtuous state which is why the "If I ever..." line needs be repeated. During the bridge the singer acknowledges that he may not be able to achieve his goal, "Hey I may never, but if I ever..." He knows that "enduring to the end" is difficult and he may not be worthy. However, he is professing his eternal love and desire to tread a virtuous path so that he will be able to give her the love and comfort she deserves after he is gone. Finally, we get to the last part of the song where he quotes the woman left behind. She expresses her trust in the man she loves. In the previous verse and bridge he told her that he would be a good man and watch over her when he is gone. Now, she is saying that she believes him and is comforted by that. She will be able to go on knowing that he is waiting for her on the other side. I know not everyone will agree with this interpretation and I'm okay with that. The song is deeply personal and comforting to me. I've enjoyed reading the stories of others who were/are comforted. I want to thank the band for recording this and making it available to the rest of us. |
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