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Prelude
Marilyn Manson Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

There's no earthly way of knowing which direction we are going
There's no knowing where we're rowing or which way the river's flowing
Is it raining? Is it snowing? Is a hurricane a blowing?
Not a spec of light is showing so the danger must be growing
Are the fires of Hell a glowing? Is the grizzly reaper mowing?
YES!!!
The danger must be growing
for the rowers keep on rowing
and they're certainly not showing
any signs that they are slowing!!!
Stop the boat

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Marilyn Manson's Prelude in 2-3 may seem like a series of random questions and exclamations, but upon closer inspection, they reflect a darker theme of confusion, fear, and impending doom. The first two lines: "There's no earthly way of knowing which direction we are going, there's no knowing where we're rowing or which way the river's flowing," set the tone for the rest of the song. The singer feels lost and uncertain, with no clear sense of the future or where their actions are leading them. The following lines continue this theme, with the singer wondering if they are in the middle of a natural disaster ("Is it raining? Is it snowing? Is a hurricane a-blowing?") and contemplating the possibility of death itself ("Are the fires of hell a-glowing? Is the grizzly reaper mowing?"). The repetition of "The danger must be growing" and "Stop the boat" creates a sense of urgency and panic.


What makes this song so unnerving is the contrast between the playful, almost whimsical melody and the dark lyrics. The melody is light and bouncy, reminiscent of a carnival or circus tune, but the lyrics are filled with dread and despair. This contradiction is intentional, as it underscores the idea that danger can lurk even in the most seemingly innocent and joyful places. Manson has often used this technique in his music, using catchy melodies and upbeat rhythms to draw listeners in before hitting them with unsettling or disturbing lyrics.


Overall, Prelude in 2-3 is a haunting and unsettling track, and one that showcases Manson's talent for creating mood and atmosphere. The song leaves the listener with a sense of unease, unsure of what lies ahead or what dangers may be lurking just out of sight.


Line by Line Meaning

There's no earthly way of knowing which direction we are going
We are lost and have no idea which way to go.


There's no knowing where we're rowing or which way the river's flowing
We don't know where we are headed or which way the current is taking us.


Is it raining? Is it snowing? Is a hurricane a blowing?
We can't tell what kind of weather conditions we are in.


Not a spec of light is showing so the danger must be growing
It is so dark that we cannot see anything, indicating the situation is becoming more dangerous.


Are the fires of Hell a glowing? Is the grizzly reaper mowing?
We are experiencing extreme danger and possibly death itself.


YES!!!
Affirming that the danger is very real.


The danger must be growing
The danger is getting worse.


for the rowers keep on rowing
Despite the danger, the people in control are not stopping or changing course.


and they're certainly not showing
The people in control are not displaying any signs of doubt or caution.


any signs that they are slowing!!!
They are not stopping or changing course, even though the situation is becoming more dangerous.


Stop the boat
A plea to immediately halt and change course to avoid disaster.




Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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SabrinaOnlineFan96


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