The first part describes a theme that has appeared in previous albums - how the character loved his belief in God, but how he can't rationalize a God which both loves us and let's there be pain in the world.
It also nods at the motif in On Letting Go where there is betrayal through the disillusionment of what he was taught growing up (in the second verse not being able to trust a girl because he was betrayed by his most fundamental beliefs).
There is a feeling of despair in that no matter how much effort you put forth you can never find God. I feel there is still a sliver of hope with the character, though, in the lines:
Doesn't have to be something I can see.
Oh, I don't know what to believe.
Doesn't have to be something I can feel.
Oh, I don't know what is real.
It sounds like the character would be grateful for any sort of spiritual connection. But in the end it returns to the thought that having that hope that will leave you empty in the end.
I love this song.
The first part describes a theme that has appeared in previous albums - how the character loved his belief in God, but how he can't rationalize a God which both loves us and let's there be pain in the world.
It also nods at the motif in On Letting Go where there is betrayal through the disillusionment of what he was taught growing up (in the second verse not being able to trust a girl because he was betrayed by his most fundamental beliefs).
There is a feeling of despair in that no matter how much effort you put forth you can never find God. I feel there is still a sliver of hope with the character, though, in the lines:
Doesn't have to be something I can see. Oh, I don't know what to believe. Doesn't have to be something I can feel. Oh, I don't know what is real.
It sounds like the character would be grateful for any sort of spiritual connection. But in the end it returns to the thought that having that hope that will leave you empty in the end.