“Bible” is a profound track exploring themes of creation, downfall, and reflection. It’s not about a person, but a narrative spanning the existence and eventual decline of a civilization. The songwriter taps into biblical allegories, paralleling the creation story with the rise and fall of a metaphorical Babylon. It’s a commentary on human progress and its consequences, questioning our role and responsibilities in the world’s changing face. The song is a wake-up call, a reflection on how our actions shape our environment and future.
Want to explore the depths of “Bible”? Keep reading for a journey into its lyrical universe and the story behind its creation.
“Bible” Lyrics Meaning
In “Bible,” Ghost weaves a narrative mirroring the biblical creation story with the evolution of civilization. Each verse corresponds to a ‘day’ of creation, but with a twist, reflecting on human progress and its eventual consequences.
The first verse sets the stage – a world waiting to be filled, echoing the biblical account of creation. The ‘voice from above’ suggests divine intervention, initiating the birth of life. This allegory of creation extends to the birth of mankind, symbolized by the line, “In his image this voice made a man and a woman.” It’s a nod to our origins and the start of human history.
As the song progresses, we witness the rise of civilization. The creation of fire, the building of walls, and the expansion of kingdoms signify human advancement. But with progress comes arrogance, symbolized by the growing walls that block out nature and the divine voice.
The shift to ‘metal-cities’ and the transformation of spring into fall depict a world losing its connection with nature. The rain that “keeps on falling forever more” symbolizes relentless change and decay, hinting at environmental degradation and the loss of innocence.
The chorus, “Now who will pray for Babylon?” is a poignant question. It asks who will mourn the fall of a once-great civilization, now a metaphor for our own world. The drumbeat symbolizes the inevitable collapse of societies that ignore the balance with nature.
As the song closes with a return to silence and the voice of judgment, it presents a stark warning. The final lines, borrowed directly from the Bible, reflect regret and the potential for self-destruction. It’s a call to introspection and a reminder of our responsibility to the planet.
The Story Behind “Bible”
The songwriter, inspired by the dual themes of creation and destruction, sought to capture the essence of human history and its cyclical nature. It’s a reflection of the artist’s own concerns about our societal and environmental trajectory. The song’s narrative structure, mirroring the seven days of creation, was an artistic choice to emphasize the parallel between biblical events and human history. Each ‘day’ in the song represents a significant phase in the journey of civilization, from inception to its zenith and eventual decline.
The use of Babylon as a metaphor is deliberate. Historically, Babylon was a symbol of both immense power and eventual ruin. For the songwriter, it’s a representation of modern society’s achievements and its potential downfall due to hubris and disregard for nature.
The writer’s emotional state during the creation of “Bible” seems to be one of reflection and concern. There’s a sense of urgency in the lyrics, a call to acknowledge and correct our course before it’s too late. The song is not just a story about the past; it’s a warning about the future.