Hymn

One of the 10 best Ultravox songs

I've always connected this with the AntiChrist, but that's probably because it came out about the same time as Omen III ... The video seems to go that way too. Ultravox are epic.

Midge Ure has several songs in which he internal debates the truth and value of religion. I believe this is one of the earlier ones. To me, he seems to want to believe in the God and the Bible he might have been raised with, but due to growing up and seeing the world as it is, he cannot reconcile. This is the most common reason for persons loosing their faith.

The rhythm of this song is just epic, another hymn from the new romantic era, the lyrics are about religion and introspection, mainly talking about the coming of a new era while reviewing the things we did, first I heard this song I totally identified with this music.

Short of hearing from the writers themselves, everything is just speculation. But that's what humans do in looking for meaning.

My 2 cents: I wonder if the song is commentary on worldly political corruption in general but ESPECIALLY toward those who either misunderstand or willingly misuse religion in their quest for power. I had not heard this song in a decade, at least and was flabbergasted at how it stood up in light of the current atmosphere, especially here in the States.

I would agree that the song and video explores the difference between whats promised and whats delivered ( as stated above ) but its confusing that whats promised is the bad diabolical stuff in the first verse and the good stuff (maybe ) in the second verse . If thats true the chorus means two entirely different things seen as a responsive call , if you see my point . After the first verse its a " maybe personal "wish (prayer) against diabolical forces prevailing , after the second verse its a maybe personal prayer or yearning for the arrival of a golden time ( without defiance ) . There could be many interpretations / contexts that this could relate to , also maybe a historical narrative . All in all , very clever but not sure I agree

Very abstract about power and had a dramatic feel about it. One of their best songs imho.

Ure gives Biblical reverence by incorporating a portion of The Lord's Prayer repeatedly in the lyrics, while also referring to "the storybook". This moniker can only have two diametrical origins; Either latent childhood memories, or derision. Though I have not perused the full Ultravox library, I have yet to find even mild condemnation of religion in their lyrics and so, would conclude that the reference is not derisive. More than that; Ure's life work shows respect for individual beliefs. He almost certainly would have had early religious schooling, and, he lives in Bath which is 70% Christian. The lyrical expression in Hymn is almost certainly for God to bring His promise.

Its about Revelations and how the end time is now as the devil is bribing people with money and fame to turn away from their religion to worship him through music and follow him into hell when God's kingdom on earth comes. I believe its autobiographical and gives an insight into the music business and the way they literally have to sign their soul over to the devil for finance and promotion ( see the video for validation). It's a warning and a lament

In my opinion they're selling their soul to the devil in exchange for being successful in this life. At the end when the devil collects we see a masonic chequerboard and pillars, interpret this symbolism as you will I'm just pointing out what I see.