I think it's about how so many people try to numb themselves and look for quick fixes or instant gratification that doesn't help them in the long run.
The first verse especially seems to suggest this.
The "diet of death and cyanide" could refer to alcohol, hard drugs, or both as a crutch to escape some internal struggle.
"Welcome to the fall of Babylon" is definitely a biblical reference that might also be a political reference too. Babylon was destroyed several times, with Cyrus, Xerxes and Alexander all being credited for defeating Babylon in the BCs. One story also has it that God destroyed the Tower of Babylon because the people there were getting too powerful. This could refer to politicians and what they're doing to the world.
"And the rapture of the world we built it on"
Rapture as a transitive verb means to fill with joy. This one's a little tricky. I reckon it refers to destroying something to elevate ourselves. We, as a species, have done some fucked up things just to put ourselves above others. Put together, the chorus might mean this is starting to look like the end is coming because of what we do to each other just to feel good. It won't last because what goes around comes around. It's karma.
"The scenery is quintessential and our ignorance is fundamental"
Quintessential means basically, the perfect or typical example of a thing or person. The above has stopped surprising him as it's become typical. Ignorance is fundamental, basically meaning this is being caused by ignorance. We're fucking ourselves over because the cycle just won't end and we're just perpetuating it.
"Is there no repentance for me here" and the following lines. He's looking for a better way, but isn't sure he can find it. The cycle is too ingrained in civilisations as a whole.
"Kiss your life goodbye" and following lines. He's angry at what he sees, partly (if not wholly) because we did this to ourselves. We don't change enough to get out of the cycle and find a better way to live with each other.
Even if I'm completely wrong, it's still an absolutely phenomenal song. Aaron is an excellent singer and the band did a great job of this.
I think it's about how so many people try to numb themselves and look for quick fixes or instant gratification that doesn't help them in the long run. The first verse especially seems to suggest this.
The "diet of death and cyanide" could refer to alcohol, hard drugs, or both as a crutch to escape some internal struggle.
"Welcome to the fall of Babylon" is definitely a biblical reference that might also be a political reference too. Babylon was destroyed several times, with Cyrus, Xerxes and Alexander all being credited for defeating Babylon in the BCs. One story also has it that God destroyed the Tower of Babylon because the people there were getting too powerful. This could refer to politicians and what they're doing to the world.
"And the rapture of the world we built it on" Rapture as a transitive verb means to fill with joy. This one's a little tricky. I reckon it refers to destroying something to elevate ourselves. We, as a species, have done some fucked up things just to put ourselves above others. Put together, the chorus might mean this is starting to look like the end is coming because of what we do to each other just to feel good. It won't last because what goes around comes around. It's karma.
"The scenery is quintessential and our ignorance is fundamental"
Quintessential means basically, the perfect or typical example of a thing or person. The above has stopped surprising him as it's become typical. Ignorance is fundamental, basically meaning this is being caused by ignorance. We're fucking ourselves over because the cycle just won't end and we're just perpetuating it.
"Is there no repentance for me here" and the following lines. He's looking for a better way, but isn't sure he can find it. The cycle is too ingrained in civilisations as a whole.
"Kiss your life goodbye" and following lines. He's angry at what he sees, partly (if not wholly) because we did this to ourselves. We don't change enough to get out of the cycle and find a better way to live with each other.
Even if I'm completely wrong, it's still an absolutely phenomenal song. Aaron is an excellent singer and the band did a great job of this.