Sometimes I wonder if songwriters ever finish a song and think to themselves, “that song is perfect”…because this song is perfect!
I think this song is about the process of discovering God and realizing the power of prayer, and maybe even an addict’s discovery of God while in recovery (breaking the habit, you’re watching me sleep). Spoken in the first person, he acknowledges the flippancy with which he has treated God: He only notices God when God is showing him favor (I notice you when you’re noticing me); and he never hesitates to call upon God when he wants something, while at the same time actively struggling with whether to truly believe in God (I never mind about bothering you, I’m trying to decide if I’ll bother with you).
Despite his hesitation or doubt, his commitment seems to be growing, as he asks for patience and help (give me some time, let me learn how to speak; feed me your wisdom and breathe me your truth). By the end of the third verse he fully discovers the transcendence of the human soul and its connection to something greater than earthly life (There is nothing I’ve got when I die that I keep; it’s amazing).
A big clue that song centers on God is the citation of an “unspeakable love”, a reference to the Jewish belief that you cannot say God’s name out loud unless when reading from the Torah or praying. That said, I’m not convinced that the song is about Judaism, as it could also be a call to Judeo-Christian ideas.
In the last verse, he fully submits to God, and is overwhelmed by God's love and healing power. Importantly too, he admits that he is not the center of the universe, but rather God is: “First of a thousand to write on the wall” is an admission that he is one of many to call upon God for love and help, and therefore accepts God’s omnipotence.
Lastly, he rejoices in the relief he enjoys through his connection to God. I draw that conclusion with help from the production, which includes many different voices whispering inaudible words, while the singers proclaim “you lift that burden off of me!”. These are the praying voices of God’s children and their gratitude when God relieves them of their burdens.
I’m not particularly religious, and frankly, my wife broke this concept to me as she cried listening to this song for the first time. The more I think about it, the more beautiful it is. This song is perfect.
@TheMelvin You’re right, it is such an amazing song. It is perfect. No other song had helped me deal with my brother’s death than this one. \r\n\r\nBut to cheapen it so something so childish and pathetic as discovering God is an insult to this work of art. Bringing religion into such a beautiful piece like this is something that should be left to the artist themself. Just because you’re incapable of hearing a song like this and immediately comparing it to your sad little delusions does not mean you’re right. God really has the worst fan club. \r\n\r\nThat being said,...
@TheMelvin You’re right, it is such an amazing song. It is perfect. No other song had helped me deal with my brother’s death than this one. \r\n\r\nBut to cheapen it so something so childish and pathetic as discovering God is an insult to this work of art. Bringing religion into such a beautiful piece like this is something that should be left to the artist themself. Just because you’re incapable of hearing a song like this and immediately comparing it to your sad little delusions does not mean you’re right. God really has the worst fan club. \r\n\r\nThat being said, if Andy Hull came out and said it was, it would be up for discussion. But unfortunately, until then, the aspects of reality come before those of this shitty little cult. This is a love song, just not one towards your fantasy figure. \r\n\r\nJust btw, aforementioned fantasy figure’s fan club are considered the biggest threat of domestic terrorism by the DoJ, so y’all can get fucked. \r\n
Sometimes I wonder if songwriters ever finish a song and think to themselves, “that song is perfect”…because this song is perfect!
I think this song is about the process of discovering God and realizing the power of prayer, and maybe even an addict’s discovery of God while in recovery (breaking the habit, you’re watching me sleep). Spoken in the first person, he acknowledges the flippancy with which he has treated God: He only notices God when God is showing him favor (I notice you when you’re noticing me); and he never hesitates to call upon God when he wants something, while at the same time actively struggling with whether to truly believe in God (I never mind about bothering you, I’m trying to decide if I’ll bother with you). Despite his hesitation or doubt, his commitment seems to be growing, as he asks for patience and help (give me some time, let me learn how to speak; feed me your wisdom and breathe me your truth). By the end of the third verse he fully discovers the transcendence of the human soul and its connection to something greater than earthly life (There is nothing I’ve got when I die that I keep; it’s amazing). A big clue that song centers on God is the citation of an “unspeakable love”, a reference to the Jewish belief that you cannot say God’s name out loud unless when reading from the Torah or praying. That said, I’m not convinced that the song is about Judaism, as it could also be a call to Judeo-Christian ideas. In the last verse, he fully submits to God, and is overwhelmed by God's love and healing power. Importantly too, he admits that he is not the center of the universe, but rather God is: “First of a thousand to write on the wall” is an admission that he is one of many to call upon God for love and help, and therefore accepts God’s omnipotence.
Lastly, he rejoices in the relief he enjoys through his connection to God. I draw that conclusion with help from the production, which includes many different voices whispering inaudible words, while the singers proclaim “you lift that burden off of me!”. These are the praying voices of God’s children and their gratitude when God relieves them of their burdens.
I’m not particularly religious, and frankly, my wife broke this concept to me as she cried listening to this song for the first time. The more I think about it, the more beautiful it is. This song is perfect.
@TheMelvin You’re right, it is such an amazing song. It is perfect. No other song had helped me deal with my brother’s death than this one. \r\n\r\nBut to cheapen it so something so childish and pathetic as discovering God is an insult to this work of art. Bringing religion into such a beautiful piece like this is something that should be left to the artist themself. Just because you’re incapable of hearing a song like this and immediately comparing it to your sad little delusions does not mean you’re right. God really has the worst fan club. \r\n\r\nThat being said,...
@TheMelvin You’re right, it is such an amazing song. It is perfect. No other song had helped me deal with my brother’s death than this one. \r\n\r\nBut to cheapen it so something so childish and pathetic as discovering God is an insult to this work of art. Bringing religion into such a beautiful piece like this is something that should be left to the artist themself. Just because you’re incapable of hearing a song like this and immediately comparing it to your sad little delusions does not mean you’re right. God really has the worst fan club. \r\n\r\nThat being said, if Andy Hull came out and said it was, it would be up for discussion. But unfortunately, until then, the aspects of reality come before those of this shitty little cult. This is a love song, just not one towards your fantasy figure. \r\n\r\nJust btw, aforementioned fantasy figure’s fan club are considered the biggest threat of domestic terrorism by the DoJ, so y’all can get fucked. \r\n
@gale104415 I lost my brother in 2006, and I’ve never gotten over it. I’m glad this song brought you some comfort.
@gale104415 I lost my brother in 2006, and I’ve never gotten over it. I’m glad this song brought you some comfort.
@gale104415. Andy actually confirms this songs relationship to God in a verified comment on the meaning behind the lyrics of the song “The Silence” https://genius.com/Manchester-orchestra-the-silence-lyrics.
@gale104415. Andy actually confirms this songs relationship to God in a verified comment on the meaning behind the lyrics of the song “The Silence” https://genius.com/Manchester-orchestra-the-silence-lyrics.