As an addition to my previous comment, i would also like to add that i believe this song is sung from first person point of view of Galileo.
The last verse is him witnessing the torture of 'non-believers' (including burnings) at the hands of the Catholic Church during the inquisition. Most likely during his house arrest.
Non-believers were often tortured (in attempts to 'convert them') or killed via beatings, floggings, burnings, and other human torture.
Galileo himself was persecuted, but continued to research and innovate even in light of his shameful treatment by the Church.
As an addition to my previous comment, i would also like to add that i believe this song is sung from first person point of view of Galileo.
The last verse is him witnessing the torture of 'non-believers' (including burnings) at the hands of the Catholic Church during the inquisition. Most likely during his house arrest.
Non-believers were often tortured (in attempts to 'convert them') or killed via beatings, floggings, burnings, and other human torture.
Galileo himself was persecuted, but continued to research and innovate even in light of his shameful treatment by the Church.