The Shrine/An Argument Lyrics

Lyric discussion by courtspark 

Cover art for The Shrine/An Argument lyrics by Fleet Foxes

This song seems to be influenced by Paradise Lost by Milton… Each book begins with the "Argument" or a summary. Milton also references heavenly beams as a "shrine." The text basically details the fall of man. In paradise there was only one season--like an eternal summer. Sunlight is good in paradise and heaven and symbolizes God. The apples could represent the apples of the tree of knowledge which appear sweet until experience educates otherwise. After the fall of man, the seasons are created, and the sun is taught how to shine brutally, creating the contrasting image of "terrible sunlight," and Adam is so furious at himself and that he listened to eve that he can barely look in her eyes. The "waves" could symbolize both the innocent sea of heaven or the lake of fire in hell. just an idea but there does seem to be an uncanny correlation

I agree the apples representation also make me think of the apples, the opening your eyes also see how he opens his eyes in the music video after eating his own flesh (sort of like the other animals like himself he's supposed to not eat flesh) makes sense? The eating flesh can also mean the act of having sex and then wanting more and more, or maybe not sex, it could be anything just wanting to find something to fill a void that was left after finding sin? makes sense? until you lose focus of something important I mean...