It wasn't obvious to me at first, but I now am convinced this song is about leaving the church. This new found interpretation struck a chord in me, since I am in a very similar place right now.
In the first verse, the writer has questioned his faith, and found it to be unsatisfactory. Someone (perhaps his parents and extended family) is telling him that his conclusions are incorrect; he should see and think their way.
In the chorus, he criticizes his opponents for their arrogance; using faith as a shield from rational thinking. He refuses to assimilate, choosing instead to follow his own reasoning.
The second verse sounds very much like the teachings of Christianity. The "promised guarantee" of eternal life in Heaven after death; freedom of choice, though only under a set of regulations to be followed to gain this prize. His "own weight" that "cannot be carried" is the sinful nature that Christianity teaches is present in every human; one that only Jesus Christ can atone for. The writer opposes this belief, and indicates its absurdity.
"You were my eyes, You were my ears, You were my conscience all these years"
He was raised in the church, which was supposed to teach him right and wrong, though now its virtues have been taken into question.
"No more, My vision has never been so clear, Looks like I have no one left to fear"
However, he has freed himself from the narrow view of his old religion, and can't believe how blind he was until now. Without the threat of eternal punishment in Hell, he is free to choose his own lifestyle, and free to define his own morality.
It wasn't obvious to me at first, but I now am convinced this song is about leaving the church. This new found interpretation struck a chord in me, since I am in a very similar place right now.
In the first verse, the writer has questioned his faith, and found it to be unsatisfactory. Someone (perhaps his parents and extended family) is telling him that his conclusions are incorrect; he should see and think their way.
In the chorus, he criticizes his opponents for their arrogance; using faith as a shield from rational thinking. He refuses to assimilate, choosing instead to follow his own reasoning.
The second verse sounds very much like the teachings of Christianity. The "promised guarantee" of eternal life in Heaven after death; freedom of choice, though only under a set of regulations to be followed to gain this prize. His "own weight" that "cannot be carried" is the sinful nature that Christianity teaches is present in every human; one that only Jesus Christ can atone for. The writer opposes this belief, and indicates its absurdity.
"You were my eyes, You were my ears, You were my conscience all these years"
He was raised in the church, which was supposed to teach him right and wrong, though now its virtues have been taken into question.
"No more, My vision has never been so clear, Looks like I have no one left to fear"
However, he has freed himself from the narrow view of his old religion, and can't believe how blind he was until now. Without the threat of eternal punishment in Hell, he is free to choose his own lifestyle, and free to define his own morality.