Moonlight On Vermont

I've always wondered if the "old time religion" refers to pre-christian (pagan) religion where the moon was considered a deity (moon goddess). Perhaps he is lamenting the restrictions of Christianity.

Maybe I've been reading too much Robert Graves!

As well as the old song, I always thought it was referring to Vermont Canyon, which is in Griffith Park right next to the LA Zoo. And when the Beef's talking 'bout old-time religion, I'm pretty sure it's older than Christianity.

"Old Time Religion" is an old gospel song... Maybe, Captain Beefheart did choose to modify the meaning, I don't know. But those lyrics are from a traditional Christian song, not from Beefheart's imagination. Perhaps they're meant to be ironic?

infamous branmuffin - I completely understand that "Old Time Religion" is a gospel song - I think Granny Clampett used to sing it on Beverly Hillbillies. I should have mentioned that. Something like this: +++++++++++++

Tis the old time religion.... Tis the....old time religion.... Tis the old time religion..... And, it's good enough for me........

Verse One:

It was good for our mothers....... It was good for our mothers.... It was good for our mothers.......... It's good enough for me......

The Chorus:

Give me that old time religion.... Give me that....old time religion.... O give me that old time religion..... It's good enough for me........

Verse Two:

Makes me love everybody.......... Makes me love everybody.......... Makes me love everybody.......... It's good enough for me................

Verse Three:

It will do when I am dying....... It will do when I am dying....... It will do when I am dying....... It's good enough for me................

Verse Four:

It will take us all to Heaven... It will take us all to Heaven.... It will take us all to Heaven.... It's good enough for me................

+++++++++++++

okay - what I was saying is perhaps CB is referring to a TRULY old time religion that predates Christianity - you know - very old pre-christian European pagan moon worship.

There are several lines that suggest abandoning current strict uptight Christian mores and maybe revert back to pagan days where sex might be part of a the religious celebration. One example:

Without yer new affliction Don't need yer new restrictions

+++++++

just a thought.

whoo this is my favorite song off this record, it's a parody of "Moonlight in Vermont"

gimme that old time religion gimme that old time religion if it's good enough for Jesus it's good enough for me.

Can't think where that song comes from, apart from the obvious revivalist tents.

"Old Time Religion" is an old gospel song... Maybe, Captain Beefheart did choose to modify the meaning, I don't know. But those lyrics are from a traditional Christian song, not from Beefheart's imagination. Perhaps they're meant to be ironic?

I don't want this modern religion

Was TALKING TO JONNY & SIOUXSIE abouT the DAYS OF GOOD REvivinG . menTIONED THE TIME OF LAPSED REmemory. THAT WAS ZAPPAquest. MIGHTY BEHEMOTH.

This song is about Paganism, or at least prechristian religions, compared against organized religions, or at least christianity. The allusions made by 'ole time religion' is obvious and has already been pointed out by others here. The criticisms can be seen with 'Everybody's gone high society -- Hope lost his head 'n got off on alligators' perhaps leaning on the organized structure of the church, and using hope for its relevancy in Christan faith. As well there are plenty of pagan references. The moon used to be considered a god in many religions, as well 'Tuesday t' Friday' referencing the days of the week that are all named after Pagan gods. Tyr'sday, Woden'sday, Thor'sday, and Freya'sday. I'm however, split on 'it was good enough for me'. It was repeated a lot towards the end of the song, stressing its importance. I can't tell if he means that pagan and earthly religious are good enough for him, or if its truly just a swipe at modern religion.