Living Together

Before I post this, to all of the people who are arguing over whether it is christian or not, it doesn't matter. Anthony said it best himself in his interview with Synthesis.net in July 2007. He is going to write songs about what he wants, and everyone who hears them will have his/her own personal take on the song. Their OWN interepretation. He accepts it.

Personally, I don't think this song is anti-spiritual, but talking about dislike to organized religion. Like there is a God, but organized religion destroys the truth. Please note that I am not talking about christianity, but organized religion as a whole. I am a Christian, in the fact that I believe a lot of what they teach. But I also feel the Bible is more of a book of guidelines rather than a book of absolute fact. I personally do not care if anyone (religious or non-religious) agrees with me. I have taken a lot of theology classes and actually a decent understanding of different religions. And through all that time I formed my own opinions. Some of my opinions have spilled into my interpretation of this song. I won't deny that. But I don't think all organized religion is bad, I just think people cling to it as an escape. Rather than finding their own way to worship God. With that I will break down what the song means to me, (if you agree- cool, if not- remember this is my opinion not yours):

"It starts out like a season in reverse A way to set your mind above and over words Attached means identity Erases things so how can we record?"

I think this is talking about how people look to organized religion to look for answers. But they don't always go to it for the right reasons. Then they conform to the religion and loose their indivualism because they now classify themselves as a group. (Living Together) And they think that doing so will erase their sin forever.

"Distress call code-word is 'I wanna live' He makes it up as he goes and it goes away To places he can only hide in other peoples' minds He makes it up as he goes It goes away"

I think this is talking about how people turn to religion in fear of what there is after death. So they join a church looking for answers. But those who run the religion make up new rules and meanings over time.

"Your rational mind's insane Taste the sound you make The light from the sun The story that never gets old The light from the sun is your mother Attached means identity Erases things so why should we?"

I think this is saying that those who take what they hear, see, and sense to form their own personal beliefs are looked down on by those who believe strictly what the organized religions teach. Even if the things the organized religion teach don't make sense to the person.

With an effortless smile you prevade to me And in-between aisles They would say you stare to see With an effortless smile you prevade to me Always in-between aisles optimistic daring me Would you trade your soul for gold? Would you trade your soul? Would you trade?

I think this statement is about the people who are trying to get him to believe in their ideas. You know, the people who push their religious beliefs on other people. They are asking him to trade his self being for "gold". I personally do not think it is real gold since AG is known for using metaphors. I think the gold refers to all the promises religious groups will promise you if you worship God in heir way. Much like how Catholics preach that you must attend mass and confession to stay sinless, in order to get to heaven. Like I said earlier, maybe it is because I have my own beliefs that I am not going to change just because someone tells me something else. I am not going to forget all that I believe just because someone else tells me I am wrong. Whatever man. That is kind of the feeling I get when I hear the outro.