Scientifiction: I. A Clot of Tragedy

"We have the motive to breathe and to feed from the mouth of deceit." Means it's so easy for people to accept science over god, we have a motive to believe it because science is seen in everyday life. It doesn't require any faith.

"Mutual fear will bring us peace as the raven builds its nest." Means that since so many people accept science, that it allows science to continue and draw in new believers, the prosperity of science is the "nest".

I don't think this song is completely about throwing out science... to me science and faith have no quarrell as long as science is done in the complete and most accurate way. I think he is attacking the notion that science and faith are in conflict. If God created how are we to know him better but to study his work and how he works? I think the song is overemphasizing the reliance on science in modern times as we are imperfect people.

sorry I should have proof read that last comment... last sentance should be: I think the song is about the overemphasizing the reliance on science in modern times as we are imperfect people.

I think the reference to "raven" is key here. The Raven is symbolic to many of a creator and our technology in conflict with the created world is a process of mutual fear (starvation-->agriculture, food surplus, civilization). This clarifies the "bring this to its knees" where science already bows to religion, "marching in slumber" something scientists don't do, and "deceit" whereas it is deceit to believe this should alleviate our fears.

This awesome song also uses pieces from William Blake's poem "The Human Abstract" you can see the comparison below.

Title: The Human Abstract Author: William Blake

Pity would be no more If we did not make somebody poor, And Mercy no more could be If all were as happy as we.

And mutual fear brings Peace, Till the selfish loves increase Then Cruelty knits a snare, And spreads his baits with care.

He sits down with his holy fears, And waters the ground with tears; Then Humility takes its root Underneath his foot.

Soon spreads the dismal shade Of Mystery over his head, And the caterpillar and fly Feed on the Mystery.

And it bears the fruit of Deceit, Ruddy and sweet to eat, And the raven his nest has made In its thickest shade.

The gods of the earth and sea Sought through nature to find this tree, But their search was all in vain: There grows one in the human Brain.