Ok, so admittedly I look at life through a Christian lens, and sometimes that makes me a terribly biased song interpreter.
But here's how I see the song (which I absolutely cannot stop listening to).
First off, "Vesuvius" and "Fire of Fire" and "permanent blast" are the same thing. Sufjan's using the famous volcano as a symbol for the ultimate fire, which is God.
That said, the entire song is Sufjan's internal dilemma of whether he will follow the "flame" or whether he will fall on the floor. According to Christian belief (with which Sufjan is very familiar), the believer must choose between following the Spirit of God which resides within him, or the flesh, which is always the easier choice ("Why does it have to be so hard?").
It's also interesting that Sufjan consistently uses the word "ghost" to refer to the Holy Spirit in his music (To be alone with you f.e.). And so here, the "murdering ghost" is a picture of the Holy Spirit within Sufjan urging him to die to his self and follow the proddings of the spirit.
Also, the lyrics are "article of eminent death" and not "immanent." Eminent death could possibly be a crucifixion reference, although it's tough to be sure.
The latter part of the song seems to be Sufjan's decision to choose the ghost, rather than flesh. It's going to be terribly hard, but it's better to follow the flame than fall on the floor.
Anyways, not saying I'm right, but this is how it jumped out to me as one who holds to the same beliefs as Sufjan. In any case, the song is incredibly powerful.
I don't think "ghost" necessarily refers to the holy ghost in these lyrics. The "trinity" of Vesuvius (ghost, symbol of light, or fantasy host?) is certainly a reference the Christian God's trinity. But it is also asked in contrast, is Vesuvius one or the other, so as in Christianity it is not merely a Unity.
I don't think "ghost" necessarily refers to the holy ghost in these lyrics. The "trinity" of Vesuvius (ghost, symbol of light, or fantasy host?) is certainly a reference the Christian God's trinity. But it is also asked in contrast, is Vesuvius one or the other, so as in Christianity it is not merely a Unity.
The "ghost" of Vesuvius may be a more literal reference: to its dead history of dead people and to Vesuvius as a "dead" volcano. (It is technically still active but in contrast with hits historical significance, not so much) This ghost...
The "ghost" of Vesuvius may be a more literal reference: to its dead history of dead people and to Vesuvius as a "dead" volcano. (It is technically still active but in contrast with hits historical significance, not so much) This ghost haunts the singer, tempting him to the flesh. If not, if he doesn't "Seize the day," the lesson of Vesuvius is that he could die "unfulfilled" (it hasn't occured, it hasn't been said).
The song contrasts following "ghost" or "host." These are supposed to be opposite outcomes for his dilemma. And "host" seems like the better referant for spirituality/God. "The host" is a synonym for communion, for the body of Christ. Does he follow the host (God) or the ghost of Vesuvius (fear of death)?
Alternatively the "host" could be his host body (which certainly ties in to "fantasy host" better). Then "ghost" would mean God/spirit. But I don't think we have to choose one or the other. The paradox of Unity/Trinity is a key element of the song, so I suspect the ambiguity of being either or both at once is intentional.
Ok, so admittedly I look at life through a Christian lens, and sometimes that makes me a terribly biased song interpreter. But here's how I see the song (which I absolutely cannot stop listening to).
First off, "Vesuvius" and "Fire of Fire" and "permanent blast" are the same thing. Sufjan's using the famous volcano as a symbol for the ultimate fire, which is God.
That said, the entire song is Sufjan's internal dilemma of whether he will follow the "flame" or whether he will fall on the floor. According to Christian belief (with which Sufjan is very familiar), the believer must choose between following the Spirit of God which resides within him, or the flesh, which is always the easier choice ("Why does it have to be so hard?").
It's also interesting that Sufjan consistently uses the word "ghost" to refer to the Holy Spirit in his music (To be alone with you f.e.). And so here, the "murdering ghost" is a picture of the Holy Spirit within Sufjan urging him to die to his self and follow the proddings of the spirit.
Also, the lyrics are "article of eminent death" and not "immanent." Eminent death could possibly be a crucifixion reference, although it's tough to be sure.
The latter part of the song seems to be Sufjan's decision to choose the ghost, rather than flesh. It's going to be terribly hard, but it's better to follow the flame than fall on the floor.
Anyways, not saying I'm right, but this is how it jumped out to me as one who holds to the same beliefs as Sufjan. In any case, the song is incredibly powerful.
The addition of Daniel Smith (Danielson Familie) singing at the end also gives credit to the songs to having a Christian meaning/tone..
The addition of Daniel Smith (Danielson Familie) singing at the end also gives credit to the songs to having a Christian meaning/tone..
Great thoughts. And good point about Daniel Smith's participation, pcklein31.
Great thoughts. And good point about Daniel Smith's participation, pcklein31.
I couldn't help but think of Paul's internal struggle in Romans 7 when I heard this.
I couldn't help but think of Paul's internal struggle in Romans 7 when I heard this.
I don't think "ghost" necessarily refers to the holy ghost in these lyrics. The "trinity" of Vesuvius (ghost, symbol of light, or fantasy host?) is certainly a reference the Christian God's trinity. But it is also asked in contrast, is Vesuvius one or the other, so as in Christianity it is not merely a Unity.
I don't think "ghost" necessarily refers to the holy ghost in these lyrics. The "trinity" of Vesuvius (ghost, symbol of light, or fantasy host?) is certainly a reference the Christian God's trinity. But it is also asked in contrast, is Vesuvius one or the other, so as in Christianity it is not merely a Unity.
The "ghost" of Vesuvius may be a more literal reference: to its dead history of dead people and to Vesuvius as a "dead" volcano. (It is technically still active but in contrast with hits historical significance, not so much) This ghost...
The "ghost" of Vesuvius may be a more literal reference: to its dead history of dead people and to Vesuvius as a "dead" volcano. (It is technically still active but in contrast with hits historical significance, not so much) This ghost haunts the singer, tempting him to the flesh. If not, if he doesn't "Seize the day," the lesson of Vesuvius is that he could die "unfulfilled" (it hasn't occured, it hasn't been said).
The song contrasts following "ghost" or "host." These are supposed to be opposite outcomes for his dilemma. And "host" seems like the better referant for spirituality/God. "The host" is a synonym for communion, for the body of Christ. Does he follow the host (God) or the ghost of Vesuvius (fear of death)?
Alternatively the "host" could be his host body (which certainly ties in to "fantasy host" better). Then "ghost" would mean God/spirit. But I don't think we have to choose one or the other. The paradox of Unity/Trinity is a key element of the song, so I suspect the ambiguity of being either or both at once is intentional.