| Sufjan Stevens – I Want to Be Well Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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The "murder" he speaks of when saying "crowd of all ages dressed for murder" could mean the death of innocence. The dress of the crowd could be interpreted as the physical clothing as well as the body language/intentions presented. Maybe he is singing from his own disappointment in society, or from the point of view of a modern day incarnation of Jesus. |
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| Sufjan Stevens – I Want to Be Well Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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Way interesting. I draw many interpretations. Illness preying on the lonely could be about lustful thoughts. He's admits to a burning within. Just a thought. Also, the repeating "I want to be, well I want to be" overlaps "fucking around," which he says he isn't doing, but possibly wants to be. Perhaps just feeling like he wants to be out with all these "apparitions" and the "crowd of all ages dressed for murder" causes him to pray for relief. He is struggling with the temptations presented to him "waiting it's turn." He says that he forgives even though he is being choked with the pill or demon and the shrouded shalom. Though he must deal with the temptation provided by the ages (getting older "as my body changes") he doesn't give in. He doesn't go out and indulge in these vices. |
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| Sufjan Stevens – Vesuvius Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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I think he's referring to Vesuvius as an inner anger/secret. He says it's "all he has." He is holding on to it, and he knows he will eventually let it out, which he sees as failing. The secret is either shameful, or selfish. It is frightening and painful. His insecurity about releasing this "fire of fire" is not knowing if it's what should really be done (are you ghost/symbol of light), or it's what he's been lead to believe is right (or a fantasy host). He blames this "Vesuvius" as taking his innocence, something he holds terribly dear. He says it's a tragic oath. It has destroyed what the elegant's(angels?) know. He claims to have "followed men less, but they were the feast of the vermin inblessed(i think he means unblessed/wicked)" He says though he knows he will fail he can now be made to laugh. Why? As he would rather burn than live in dust, he would treat others this way. He knows he will let out the "fire of fire" held inside to burn those around him rather than bury them in the ashes of a distant explosion (like Pompeii). Thus, it's funny because he feels he has no option. "it has been made to plan" The panic inside comes from knowing the time is drawing near. He can't ignore the "murdering ghost". He prays Vesuvius will fall on him now while he is favoring the ghost (believing it to be right thing to do) rather than believing it to be the fantasy host he mentioned earlier, which he seems to be flip flopping between. "Sufjan fall on the flame or fall on the floor" He is saying be brave and know the pain of being burned and being truthful, or else, you will be as the dust which falls on the floor, burying everything in lies. "Why does it have to be so hard" Revealing yourself is frightening. You won't know the consequences until you act. |
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| Sufjan Stevens – Abraham Lyrics | 15 years ago |
| This is probably too controversial a topic, but some believe in reincarnation. I've read that Adam, after multiple reincarnations, would be born as Jesus. After reading the post, I find it fitting (in many ways) that Adam would be made the first man, get kicked out of the "garden", then be the very one to break the bonds shackling men to earth and lead the way to heaven. Also interesting to note that the tree growing from Adam's grave is used to carve the cross. It fits in that reincarnation karmic cycle idea perfectly. Just a thought. | |
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