I built a little empire out of some crazy garbage
Called the blood of the exploited working class
But they've overcome their shyness
Now they're calling me Your Highness
And a world screams, "Kiss me, Son of God"

I destroyed a bond of friendship and respect
Between the only people left who'd even look me in the eye
Now I laugh and make a fortune
Off the same ones that I tortured
And a world screams, "Kiss me, Son of God"

I look like Jesus, so they say
But Mr. Jesus is very far away
Now you're the only one here who can tell me if it's true
That you love me and I love me

I built a little empire out of some crazy garbage
Called the blood of the exploited working class
But they've overcome their shyness
Now they're calling me Your Highness
And a world screams, "Kiss me, Son of God"
Yes a world screams, "Kiss me, Son of God"

Overall Meaning

The song "Kiss Me Son of God" by They Might Be Giants is a biting satire that takes aim at those who build empires out of nothing and manipulate people into worshipping them. The lyrics describe a protagonist who has created an empire through the exploitation of the working class. Instead of feeling remorse, the singer revels in their power and the worship they receive from their subjects. The lyric "Now they're calling me Your Highness" is particularly telling as it shows just how much the singer has been able to manipulate their followers. The chorus, where the world screams for the Son of God to kiss them, is a scathing commentary on our culture's obsession with celebrity, fame, and power.

The second verse takes the critique even further by exposing the singer's true nature. The singer has destroyed friendships and relationships without any remorse and continues to profit from the people they have tortured. The lyric "Off the same ones that I tortured" is particularly telling as it highlights the hypocrisy of those who claim to be leaders or idols. The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the singer's sense of narcissism and self-absorption.

The final verse takes the form of a self-reflection. The singer "looks like Jesus" but is not Jesus, which is emphasized through the lyric "Mr. Jesus is very far away." The singer's longing for love and self-love is revealed through the lyric "That you love me and I love me." The final chorus repeats the message that the world screams for the Son of God to kiss them, but the singer is the only one who can fulfill that desire.

Overall, "Kiss Me Son of God" is a clever commentary on the dangers of idolizing celebrities and politicians who build empires out of nothing and prey on the vulnerable. The song warns us to be wary of those who claim to be our saviors and to recognize the fallacy of worshipping false idols.

Line by Line Meaning

I built a little empire out of some crazy garbage
I created something valuable out of things that others considered worthless.

Called the blood of the exploited working class
I used the labor and effort of the working class and made profits out of it, without caring about their well-being.

But they've overcome their shyness
The exploited working class has gained confidence and pride in themselves, and no longer fears me.

Now they're calling me Your Highness
The same people who once opposed me, now respect and honor me, as if I am royalty.

And a world screams, "Kiss me, Son of God"
The world desires to worship and adore me, as if I am a divine figure.

I destroyed a bond of friendship and respect
I ruined a relationship based on trust and admiration, by exploiting and abusing the other person's resources and effort.

Between the only people left who'd even look me in the eye
The only people who had the courage to confront me and criticize me were the ones I took advantage of and betrayed.

Now I laugh and make a fortune
I find pleasure in my own selfishness and dishonesty, and I profit immensely from it.

Off the same ones that I tortured
I continue to exploit and oppress the same people who suffered because of my actions before.

I look like Jesus, so they say
According to some people, I resemble Jesus in appearance, or in some beliefs or values.

But Mr. Jesus is very far away
However, the true Jesus, who represents love, compassion, and justice, is not present in my actions or attitudes.

Now you're the only one here who can tell me if it's true
Now, the person I am addressing is the only one who can confirm if I am indeed similar to Jesus, or if it is just a façade.

That you love me and I love me
Moreover, the real question is not if others love me, but if I can love myself despite my immoral behavior.

Yes a world screams, "Kiss me, Son of God"
Ultimately, the world's adoration and worship are not enough to justify my actions, or to fulfill my spiritual needs.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN FLANSBURGH, JOHN LINNELL, JOHN C. FLANSBURGH, JOHN S. LINNELL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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