When I look up at the stars at night,
what could I find beyond the light?
A hundred million worlds that we ignore
Who can restrain Pleiades
or know the laws of heavenlies?
How many times have we been wrong before?
Far off in the field, I see a castle
Today the people gather at the pole
He tried to tell us all the world was spherical
They burned his body, but not his soul
what could I find beyond the light?
A hundred million worlds that we ignore
Who can restrain Pleiades
or know the laws of heavenlies?
How many times have we been wrong before?
Today the people gather at the pole
He tried to tell us all the world was spherical
They burned his body, but not his soul
Add your song meanings, interpretations, facts, memories & more to the community.
I have been a fan on this band for many years (approx '89 onward). One can only deduce the meaning (as there is not a lot out there) about the song.
I believe it is generally speaking about oppression. More specifically, it is referring to Galileo (Galileo Galilei, the great Italian mathematitian, astronomer, and physicist).
Most of the worlds view at that time of the universe (the 16th / 17th century) was that it was 'geocentric', ie: the earth was at the center of the universe. Galileo subscribed to the theory of 'heliocentrism' ie: that the SUN was at the center of our universe, not the earth.
This was very controversial at the time. Galileo was basically considered a heretic by the church and was imprisoned, under house arrest for the last 30+ years of his life.
So the song is a tribute, but also has a broader meaning. And most people can relate to it, including me.
A song about Giordano Bruno, who was persecuted (and burned at the stake) by the catholic church for holding opinions contrary to the doctrine. Among his "heresies" were believing that the Earth was round, and that there were multiple worlds in the heavens.
As an addition to my previous comment, i would also like to add that i believe this song is sung from first person point of view of Galileo.
The last verse is him witnessing the torture of 'non-believers' (including burnings) at the hands of the Catholic Church during the inquisition. Most likely during his house arrest.
Non-believers were often tortured (in attempts to 'convert them') or killed via beatings, floggings, burnings, and other human torture.
Galileo himself was persecuted, but continued to research and innovate even in light of his shameful treatment by the Church.
The one thing I would add is that the title of the song comes from a verse in the book of Job. The oldest book of the Bible???
God asks Job:
Job 38:31 Can you direct the movement of the stars— binding the cluster of the Pleiades or loosening the cords of Orion?
It is a book about the ancient mind trying to come to terms with suffering. It includes pictures like this of God's hand in the creation of the whole cosmos. Awe and wonderment.
This ties in with the message of the song. We don't know all the answers.
[Edit: Making my own comments succinct ]