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Rubicon Lyrics

Praying for myself, these thoughts I've tried to hide
I have faith in me, I hope this will survive
But it's tearing me apart, I can't hear the words
By which I die, so I must ask again, who will carry me?

I cannot deny, nothing can defend
From the helplessness that's cutting deep inside
And I can't prevent the thought that nothing's real
It seems I'm waiting years for this day to end

The strength I need to feel
The pride inside of me
And I fell behind the face
That's staring back at me
The anger and the pain
Of knowing where I am
I have come so far and I cannot return

Nothing I can do that I have not done
No words I can say, no truth left that I can see
So must I let this end, and everything fall apart
Before I live my life as I have always done

Tell me what to do so I do nothing wrong
Something I can hope for, something real that I can see
So nothing falls apart, so this does not end.
I cannot return, I can't start again

Nothing to deny, nothing to defend
From the helplessness, it's cutting me so deep insdie
And I can't prevent the thought that's nothing's real
It seems I'm waiting years for this day to end
Song Info
Submitted by
rubiconsolitude On Nov 22, 2001
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31 Meanings

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Cover art for Rubicon lyrics by VNV Nation

When interpreting "Rubicon," it is helpful to remember that it was on the album "Empires," which is a rather cohesive tale of an empire's course from rise to fall (or "Firstlight" to "Arclight"). "Rubicon," which is toward the beginning of the album, comes after "Kingdom," suggesting that the kingdom has been won and now an entire conglomeration of kingdoms is to be unified. This song derives its name from the River Rubicon in Italy--during the time of the Roman Republic, upon penalty of execution, no legions were permitted to cross this river in order to protect the safety of Rome, which was to the south (in a kind of unmilitarized zone). "Rubicon" can be used symbolically to represent any point of no return. The lyrics of this song are basically the inner thoughts of Julius Caesar when he made the decision to cross his Rubicon and march on Rome, but they represent the trepidation of anyone who marches forward in an "all or nothing" endeavor.

Cover art for Rubicon lyrics by VNV Nation

Interesting Czar.

Though to me it just sums up the way I've felt for years, especially 'tell me what to do, so I do nothing wrong' this song is just superb, it made me cry!!(a good thing, btw)

Cover art for Rubicon lyrics by VNV Nation

Helplessness and utter darkness. That was my feelings when I heard this song the first time. I was battling serious depression at the time, and music was a great help.

While I do think Czar5000 do have a very valid point, this song will always mean darkness, uncerntanity and doubt of my self. It is not a bad thing though, as it do give me great strength whenever I listen to it. It helps me see beoynd despair.

"Tell me what to do so I do nothing wrong Something I can hope for, something real that I can see So nothing falls apart, so this does not end. I cannot return, I can't start again"

That part touched me deep, and I will never forget that part.

And you are right Zombie Pin-Up, it is "guide" not "die" on line four.

Cover art for Rubicon lyrics by VNV Nation

it's boring and difficult for me to think only of it being about some historic event.

i like to hear people's personal/emotional interpretations of VNV's songs more often rather than what may be some literal interpretation. VNV's songs are for humans who have emotions, not elite scholars.

Cover art for Rubicon lyrics by VNV Nation

i guess you did... i hope it pleased you to write "ass whipe" one so more time!

Cover art for Rubicon lyrics by VNV Nation

This song is obviously about suicide. Yes, suicide is a form of treachery against yourself (so the story goes). So, there is an analog to the story of Ceasar crossing the river Rubicon because that was an act of treachery as well. However, we don't really know what the truth is do we? Suicide may be your only way out. Such is implied in the song's lyrics as well. The song is well formed in that it describes both points of view on suicide. It may be the one true way to free yourself, or it may force you to start life over again. To be stuck in a loop killing yourself over and over again for all eternity. Sounds really stupid if you ask me.

Negative
Subjective
Sadness
Suicide
Treachery
Freedom
Life
Reincarnation
Cover art for Rubicon lyrics by VNV Nation

The words are: Praying for myself, These thoughts I've tried to hide. I have faith in me....

The ____(?) part is "so this does not end"

Cover art for Rubicon lyrics by VNV Nation

oh, and the Nothing's true tonight is actually "Nothing to deny"

Cover art for Rubicon lyrics by VNV Nation

To me, this song is about someone who has always been religious and believed in a god, having doubts about their faith. They are hoping and praying that life does not end at death- that there is more. I could be totally off- please write your own opinions of the song

Cover art for Rubicon lyrics by VNV Nation

What a beautiful song. I am yet again amazed by VNV Nation's moving words. It reminds me of how my ex-gf treated me. I got dumped, and I thought long and hard about what I did wrong, but I searched nonetheless. This song depicts the pain so well! I love VNV Nation!