| Brandon Flowers – Magdalena Lyrics | 12 years ago |
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A beautiful tale of redemption told from the perspective of a Sonoran Mexican who seeks forgiveness by way of a pilgrimage to Magdalena (a city), which actually takes place once a year. Read the long comment below by AHlondon. Then read the 3rd comment on his comment. It's all there And it's worth it! |
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| Brandon Flowers – Magdalena Lyrics | 12 years ago |
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to AHLondon and Lowellorr. Lot's of insight here from both of you. I think you both have the right idea about this beautiful song. There is one point, however, that I think both of you are misinterpreting. It is this idea that somehow the "Pilgrim" is insincere about his repentence. Or perhaps you are suggesting that the lines, "And I will know that I am clean now. And I will dance and the band will play" somehow represent a critisism of societies lacks attitude toward repentence. To me those lyrics represent the joy that comes after sincere repentence. Remember that the "Pilgrim" denounced the "Modern Methods" He wasn't looking for a shortcut. He did it the old fashioned way and walked 60 miles. I think if you look at the message of the song from start to finish you will see that song represents a tale of true redemption. The "Pilgrim" of course knows that he is fallible and will likely sin again (as we all do) but he is at peace with that because he understands (albeit on a basic level) the true nature of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which is this - that God knows we will sin all throughout our life, but he is prepared to forgive us every time that we sincerely repent. Yes, even if we make the same mistakes over and over again. Hypocrisy and spiritual weakness are not the same thing. Your attitude is what determines which one defines you. One other insight to backup the point is found in the last verse of the song. "And if I should fall to temptation when I return to evil throes From Nogales to Magdalena As a two time beggar I will go where I know I can be forgiven The broken heart of Mexico" Here the "Pilgrim" is saying emphatically that he will repent again and continue to repent as the need arises. The very last line "The broken heart of mexico" is not indicative of the sad and demoralized state of Mexico, but rather the humility of the people. Scripturally, a "broken heart" denotes humility, not sadness or misery. I, like Brandon Flowers, am a Mormon. I can tell you that this phrase "broken heart appears most notably in the Book of Mormon (2nd Nephi chapter 2 verse 7) and that it refers specifically to the conditions of reprentance. It says,"Behold, he offereth himself a a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a BROKEN HEART and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered." So again, this song isn't meant to be critical, or to call out the hypocrites. It is simply a tale of beautiful repentance and redemption told from the perspective of Sonoran Mexicans who are in the catholic tradition. Also, watch Brandon sing this tale. Notice how much he smiles when he sings it. He exudes joy, happiness, and sincerity. These are the fruits of sincere repentance. What a beautiful message. Even the though the world are hard place, full of trials and temptations, grace is available to us. Forgiveness is attainable. This song means so much to me. It causes me to reflect on my own state, and need of repentance. I think that was pretty much the idea Brandon Flowers had in mind when he wrote it :) I hope somebody found this giant rambling helpful |
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