The Northern

On http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/alexisonfire-%e2%80%9cwe-stole-all-the-lyrics-from-this-methodist-hymn/

George says: "Alexisonfire vocalist George Pettit has revealed that the band were looking to divine inspiration when writing their new album, ‘Old Crows/Young Cardinals’ in a recent interview with Metal Hammer.Geroge confessed: “We stole all the lyrics from this Methodist hymn called Roll, Jordan, Roll which is believed to be the first track that inspired people to first play the blues. It’s like an acknowledgment of our musical roots. It’s very religious, but we’re by no means religious.”

The Line " Here he comes here he comes" may refer to the coming or presence of God, as the line " judge so severe " verifies. Seven trumpets can either refer to the second coming of Jesus Christ/God, or the seven plagues that were set on Egypt. This may simply emphasize the whole aspect of God being vengeful and omnipresent in the first testament. As they speak him near, it may mean that God is close to returning, or simply that he will soon pass judgment on the wicked.

This would make sense from a slavery standpoint if the song was sung from the point of the slave, almost as though he was promising that God will serve justice to his owner. However, if you watch the music video on youtube or elsewhere, you will notice that the theme in the video seems to be revolving around a religious cult. In that sense, the song would appear to be about members of the cult being brainwashed by the priests preaching, and living in fear of the cult's vengeful god. The line " I want to go to heaven when I die" emphasizes the fact that the cult members will do anything to get in to heaven, even if it means committing horrible acts.

Either way you should watch the video as it defintely sheds new possibilities on the meaning of the words.

hope youre joking braw. the roll jordon part including dallas vocals are fantastic

also, id say its about slavery

I think it's about religion. I think they're kind of mocking going to heaven and all that, because although they sound pretty sincere in the song, if you listen to My God Is a Reasonable Man and City and Colour's I Don't Need To Know, you'd know that they have very cynical and atheist views towards Christianity.

I dunno, look at the lyrics to Born and Raised...

What does roll Jordan means ? oO

i think the roll jordan part is talking about people taking chances on their religions being the right one and using relying on blind faith. maybe?

if you do a quick search for "roll jordan" in google a few other songs pop up...

http://www.negrospirituals.com/news-song/roll_jordan_roll.htm

Roll Jordan, roll Roll Jordan, roll I wanter go to heav'n when I die To hear ol' Jordan roll O brethern Roll Jordan, roll Roll Jordan, roll I wanter go to heav'n when I die To hear ol' Jordan roll

Seems to have roots, most likely to slavery.

In light of biohazrd's comment, I would have to think they are using Roll Jordan Roll as kind of an ironic basis for a song about spiritual slavery instead of literal slavery. It's kind of an interesting effect