Slow and Steady Wins the Race

I didn't pick this up the first few times I heard the song, but note the apathy of the main character as he describes his brother's plight. When Grandma asks him where his brother's at he mearly says "I don't know," and eats. A major theme Bazan often refers to is the fallacy of self-righteousness. The main character has a haughty attitude, taking it so far that he completely disregards his own brother. He goes as far as to describe his ideal heaven, receiving what he deems valuable, and having neighbors that "deserve" to be there just like him.

I think that this song illustrates that there is more to living in the footsteps of Jesus than just "walking on the narrow path." You may believe, but that does not automatically make you a good person. The main character watched and let his brother get himself into trouble and didn't care. The second half of the song shows how the main character was blind to the fact that he had even done something wrong, and how he believed that despite his actions, he would still recieve great rewards in heaven....

If you take Bazan's songs at face falue as Christian rock, then you are totally missing the point. Whatever you mean by "Christian rock" I'm certain that David Bazan is not it, and he would be very disappointed to think that people thought of him as such. he is a great songwriter and storyteller whose stories are shaped by his beliefs, but so are everyone's. he's not a role model, he's not a saint and he's certainly not an evangelist. I think everyone (Christians and non-Christians) should start looking at Pedro the Lion's music through other lenses besides religious ones. This song mentions Jesus, but it's not about jesus. It's about holier-than-thou type people who care only about their own well-being, and not even their own brother who desperately needs help. They are blinded by their religion which promises wealth and riches in the afterlife and they are blind to what God truly intended religion to be... love your brother.

Cool illustration of a timeless leason taught by Jesus, stick to the narrow path, it may seem harder, but it's the only way to the prize.

Why does it not surprise me to see the name "Jesus" and the word "narrow" used in the same context?

"rugby"...please don't tell me you were serious. this song illustrates, as "mimicry" says, that those who think they are staying on the "straight and narrow" are often ignoring the misfortune and pleas for help of others. the whole album centers on the protagonist justifying his horrible actions by saying, "i do what i have to...it's a shame these other people don't get it."

I think that this song illustrates that there is more to living in the footsteps of Jesus than just "walking on the narrow path." You may believe, but that does not automatically make you a good person. The main character watched and let his brother get himself into trouble and didn't care. The second half of the song shows how the main character was blind to the fact that he had even done something wrong, and how he believed that despite his actions, he would still recieve great rewards in heaven....

i guess i kind of agree with "mimicry" and "mrsillypants" on this one, this song is definitely talking about how people choose to ignore the troubles of the world and focus on themsleves in order to make themsleves feel better by thinking there was really nothing they could do.

Well... I myself (not Christian, I should say) have always taken most of Bazan's songs at face value... as Christian rock, this song being one of the more obvious ones. I don't know, I've never really had a belief in a higher power, I just like this (and other Pedro tracks) for what they contain, great songwriting, great storytelling, great vocals, and a positive message. My three cents.

juan the owl....you're my hero!!! yes, and tho i tried i really dont think you can put it any better than that...