@DispatchIt: No need to insult Klal531, he just pointed out that the song has many layers and he is not wrong (as there is no right and wrong until Chad tells us^^).
In fact I think it's with intent that the first line of both songs match each other:
As with gladness, men of old did the guiding star behold...
AND
As with gladness, men of old did the shining world behold...
I also think that this song is about "mother earth" - personified as a woman suffering under the cruelty of a man (=mankind). It's a sad song... we had all chances to make this place a paradise (she gave him everything, took them down some bread), we even got warned that it can't go on like that (And so she took us down to the water's edge. Said if we are not, careful with what we do, We will reach a final end) but we blew it up.
On another layer of this song, it's a sad love song. Earth seems like a woman with no self-confidence, but trying to love mankind devotional. But he beats her up, violates her, leafing nothing behind. Reminds me of some cases of domestic violence I think we all know.
The Christmas song gives a strong contrast, as Christmas songs are usually peaceful.
You can see this particular one as an alternative ending, because it describes how people should have treated our environment (=Jesus in the Christmas song) and also gives hope for the future (=live after death). But this last part is just gambling, it's just the only way I could connect that two songs!
Would be cool if somebody else would add their comments. My English isn't that good - so I don't understand all the hints and allusions in the songs.
Conclusion:
Great song! Great lyrics! Great band!
State Radio is the most underrated band I know. It makes me sad seeing that only some thousand people have watched their videos on youtube...
@DispatchIt: No need to insult Klal531, he just pointed out that the song has many layers and he is not wrong (as there is no right and wrong until Chad tells us^^).
In fact I think it's with intent that the first line of both songs match each other:
As with gladness, men of old did the guiding star behold... AND As with gladness, men of old did the shining world behold...
I also think that this song is about "mother earth" - personified as a woman suffering under the cruelty of a man (=mankind). It's a sad song... we had all chances to make this place a paradise (she gave him everything, took them down some bread), we even got warned that it can't go on like that (And so she took us down to the water's edge. Said if we are not, careful with what we do, We will reach a final end) but we blew it up.
On another layer of this song, it's a sad love song. Earth seems like a woman with no self-confidence, but trying to love mankind devotional. But he beats her up, violates her, leafing nothing behind. Reminds me of some cases of domestic violence I think we all know.
The Christmas song gives a strong contrast, as Christmas songs are usually peaceful. You can see this particular one as an alternative ending, because it describes how people should have treated our environment (=Jesus in the Christmas song) and also gives hope for the future (=live after death). But this last part is just gambling, it's just the only way I could connect that two songs! Would be cool if somebody else would add their comments. My English isn't that good - so I don't understand all the hints and allusions in the songs.
Conclusion: Great song! Great lyrics! Great band! State Radio is the most underrated band I know. It makes me sad seeing that only some thousand people have watched their videos on youtube...
Perfect interpretation. "Final end" perfect, too.
Perfect interpretation. "Final end" perfect, too.