This Fear of Gods
Simple Minds Lyrics

The lyrics of Simple Minds' "This Fear of Gods" are somewhat cryptic, however, there seems to be a theme of a fear of something incredibly powerful and violent, possibly Gods. The opening lines, "Someone singing in the shower" are both innocuous and mundane, which perhaps lull the listener into a false sense of security before the other, more ominous lyrics take over. The repetition and emphasis on the word "singing" create a sense of unease and anxiety, as if someone is trying to distract themselves from something terrifying.

The line "I hear a voice and hear no angel, Hear and see no angel" suggests a religious context, but one that is far from peaceful and comforting. The voice isn't that of an angel, which suggests that it could be a darker, more malevolent power. The line "Violence and Vivisection" suggests an environment of pain and brutality. Taken together, these lyrics may suggest a confrontation with a darker, more destructive power which then leads to the fear that is the focus of the song's chorus.

The repetition of the lines "Gods, Gods, this fear of Gods" intensifies the terror and anxiety surrounding the idea of these powerful beings. There is a hint of urgency and desperation in the lines "Faster faster faster, I'm turning white now" which suggests a situation that is rapidly spiraling out of control. The "back on black" line at the end of the song could be interpreted as the singer having returned to a place of darkness and danger, a place where that fear of Gods continues to reign.