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Up Through the Ashes Lyrics

So, you can heal,
they claim with conviction.
You've got a crowd.
So, what's your appeal?
Your voice?
Your predictions?
They're getting loud.

But, if I let you die,
you must forgive me.

Raise me up;
up through the ashes.
[Welcome the paradise you made!]
Take me on,
into the light.

You want to die;
create some sensation;
be making the news?
An eye for an eye,
my king of creation.
King of the Jews.

Before I let you die,
you must forgive me.

Raise me up;
up through the ashes.
[Welcome the paradise you made!]
Take me on,
into the light.

Give me sign of remorse!
I don't need your blood!
You will hang on the cross
for playing God!

You, the people, must decide:
the self proclaimed prophet,
or the novice murderer?
The king or the convict?
It's up to you.
So tell me:
who's free to go?

[Barabbas! Barabbas! Barabbas!]

Raise me up;
up through the ashes.
[Forgive my every sin!]
Take me on,
into the light.
8 Meanings

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Cover art for Up Through the Ashes lyrics by Kamelot

I think it's told from the specific perspective of Pontius Pilate. "You the people must decide The self proclaimed prophet Or the malice... murderer The king or the convict It's up to you So tell me Who's free to go" Only Pilate had the actual authority to commute the sentence of Barabbas

Cover art for Up Through the Ashes lyrics by Kamelot

I think it switches back and forth between Pontius Pilate's and the crowd's perspectives. leucis is right, Pontius was the only person with authority to decide whether to release Jesus or Barabbas, and the part where it says "before I let you die, you must forgive me" reminds me of how Pilate washed his hands, trying to wash away the guilt of turning over Jesus.

However, Pilate didn't mock Jesus, the crowd did.

"You want to die Create some sensation Be making the news An eye for an eye My king of creation King of the Jews"

He was given the thorn crown, and a sign placed above his head saying "King of the Jews." He was told that if he really was the son of God, he should jump down and save himself to prove it.

Either way, a majorly kickass song, my favorite by Kamelot.

Mhm not to mention the cry of "I don't your blood" in the background. The perspective switches but it's definitely about Pilate's lament seeing as how though he was the only one able to pass on the sentence he was still at the crowd's whim.

Heh this is what I love about Kamelot though, they show a good deal of respect for but still only skirt around the topic of religion, never really take a hard stance (I think in one of the interviews Roy said something akin to "I try to keep an open mind and not...

Err... "I don't need your blood"*

Whoops. ^_^'

Cover art for Up Through the Ashes lyrics by Kamelot

I believe this is written in the perspective of one of the Roman soldiers at Christ's crucifixion. Very powerful song.

Cover art for Up Through the Ashes lyrics by Kamelot

Yeah this is one of my favorites. Its from the view point of Pontius Pilate once the jewish leaders hand Jesus over. Even though Pilate finds no fault in Jesus he brings him before the people and a murderer.

Pontius is asking for forgiveness and salvation from Jesus.

what does Pilate means by, "an eye for an eye" ?

Cover art for Up Through the Ashes lyrics by Kamelot

what does Pilate mean by, "an eye for an eye" ?

It possibly could mean that because Jesus had chosen to die an "eye for an eye" would mean that pontius wants to die for the sin he is committing. Seeing as Jesus was innocent I don't think an eye for an eye would mean that Jesus is being punished for crimes or murder.

Cover art for Up Through the Ashes lyrics by Kamelot

WOW, visualizing this whole scenario is epic as hell while listening to the song. Probably one of their most epic songs, extremely symphonic and tense.

Cover art for Up Through the Ashes lyrics by Kamelot

This song is obviously talking about Jesus, especially at the part were it says "King of the Jews"

Cover art for Up Through the Ashes lyrics by Kamelot

Outside of the crowd shouting 'Barabbas!' at the end this entire song is spoken from Pilate's perspective exclusively.

Pilate is lightly mocking Jesus here, but only his stubbornness in an attempt to save his life. As with the Biblical account, he doesn't think Jesus is being reasonable, but also doesn't believe Jesus is guilty of being anything more than maybe a little crazy and very charismatic. Remember that Pilate isn't Jewish; he has no reason to have a horse in this race, but he does have SOME sense and is well aware that this is a murderous witch hunt. He has no desire to see Jesus die. Politics tie his hands, though. Pilate is stuck doing this or potentially starting a riot.

After trying to get Jesus to recant by telling him the reality of his situation - something Jesus is well aware of anyway - he gives up and finally defers to the crowd, washing his hands of the situation. It's easy to say that Pilate was in the wrong by not intervening, but how many people would've died in the ensuing riot if Jesus was pardoned? This was, pragmatically speaking, the only sane decision for him.

 
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