Swans – Children of God

We are special
We are perfect
We were born in the sight of god
We were born in the sight of god
Our suffering bodies will suffer no more
Our suffering bodies will suffer no more
We are children
Children of God
We are children
Children of God


Lyrics submitted by jt, edited by Mellow_Harsher

Children of God song meanings
Add your thoughts

13 Comments

sort form View by:
  • +4
    General CommentGira himself has stated that this album is not supposed to be sarcastic or mocking of religion, though he himself is not religious in any mainstream sense. This album, and especially this song, was Gira trying to get into the mindset of religious believers, so he was neither criticizing nor supporting them!
    moomooomoomooon April 20, 2011   Link
  • +1
    General CommentIt's actually a very grim tract about evangelists and eventual self-martyrdom for a lost cause. It's an irreligious but powerful statement indeed.
    Cynothoglyson January 15, 2006   Link
  • +1
    General CommentI fail to see any irony there. I mean, I know the background of the album's ideas, I know there's supposed to be some criticism, but not in this song. It seems sincere and pure. Why would someone create such an anthemic and majestic song with sarcastic lyrics? It would be counterproductive. I don't say this to defend Christianity or whatever; I'm an atheist. Anyway, it’s an incredibly powerful and brilliant song; one of the best on what is undoubtedly their best album.
    slow pulse boyon July 31, 2008   Link
  • +1
    General Commenti mean the fact that the song title references a religious cult only further implicates the idea that the song is anti-religion. religious cults are typically recognized as sects of overly pious or brainwashed zealots who are blinded by their fanatic devotion and often act unreasonably and dangerously. cults are pretty much the symbol of religion gone wrong.

    i think this song goes with the whole album's anti-religious message that religious texts and leaders are hypocritical at best and malicious at worst. the album really explores the contradictions and dangers of religion and this song caps it off nicely.
    SourceTagsAndCodeson February 04, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General CommentThis song is one of the most beautiful, powerful, pure and Holy pieces of music ever written. The rhythm is bone-shaking and Jarboe's voice is angelic in the very definition of the term. I can sit and listen to this song over and over for hours. In a few lines of lyric poetry it says more about who we are than a hundred religious books can say in a hundred years. God Bless the Swans.
    moduson April 10, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General CommentCynothoglys's idea makes sense. I suppose I could see the lyrics taking on a slightly sarcastic slant.

    I love the song nonetheless.
    Glomeon May 10, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General CommentI don't think this is a religious song.... not at all. Glome and Cynothoglys are real.
    Marquezon July 26, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General CommentI meant to say "right"
    Marquezon July 26, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General CommentIt could be both, I admit; Gira's lyrics from this period are unbelievably ambiguous.
    Cynothoglyson March 09, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Commentthe intention was to emulate the religious mindset and the intensity of a worship/gospel song, nothing more.
    leonardo10on January 08, 2014   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

Back to top