Dyin' Day

It's about the binding of Isaac from the Bible. It also fits in the themes about parents (especailly fathers) and children that runs through the album, Young Man in America, which as a whole is about Anaïs Mitchell's father.

This song is a work of genius - and I can't think of another song I would say that about.

On the surface it's about Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac, a difficult passage for those who believe in the Bible. Isaac asks whether it is an ox or a ram they will sacrifice (for he sees no animal). Abraham responds "It is the blood of the innocent," a comment that echoes the Christian belief that Jesus was an innocent, and therefore perfect, sacrifice.

Then comes Abraham's question: "And who are you to understand The ways of Him who holds the blade? And who are you to stay the hand Of Him who made you?"

Abraham is holding the blade, so this seems to refer to Abraham himself. Abraham is also Isaac's father, and "made him."

But why is "every day a dying day"? Surely Abraham is not asked to sacrifice his son every day. Or even an animal every day.

But for God, every day is a dying day. Every day many of his creations, living beings, die. So this line gives a reinterpretation of the incident: Abraham is a symbol for God, Isaac stands in for his creation. Why does God allow his creatures to die? This is the deep question the song is asking. In this view, "Him who holds the blade" is God, who of course is also "Him who made you." And God is asking, "Who are you to question me?" - the same answer Job got.

In the final verse, Isaac asks his father whether this is a good or evil thing he does, and Abraham believes he is doing good because he is doing what God has told him to do. But what answer can God give to this question?

This is a song that works on several levels, one that asks challenging questions and doesn't settle for easy answers. A lovely and moving song, however you interpret it.