Unbelievers
Vampire Weekend Lyrics
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The world is a cold, cold place to be
Want a little warmth
But who's gonna save a little warmth for me?
We know the fire awaits unbelievers
All of the sinners the same
Girl, you and I will die unbelievers
Bound to the tracks of the train
If I'm born again
I know that the world will disagree
Want a little grace
But who's gonna say a little grace for me?
We know the fire awaits unbelievers
All of the sinners the same
Girl, you and I will die unbelievers
Bound to the tracks of the train
I'm not excited
But should I be?
Is this the fate that half of the world has planned for me?
I know I love you
And you love the sea
But what holy water contains a little drop, little drop for me?
See the sun go down
It's goin' on down when the night is deep
Want a little light
But who's gonna save a little light for me?
We know the fire awaits unbelievers
All of the sinners the same
Girl, you and I will die unbelievers
Bound to the tracks of the train
I'm not excited
But should I be?
Is this the fate that half of the world has planned for me?
I know I love you
And you love the sea
But what holy water contains a little drop, little drop for me?
I'm not excited
But should I be?
Is this the fate that half of the world has planned for me?
I know I love you
And you love the sea
But what holy water contains a little drop, little drop for me?
The lyrics of Vampire Weekend's "Unbelievers" deal with themes such as mortality, faith, and uncertainty. The song starts with the singer expressing his desire for warmth and grace in a world that seems to be cold and unforgiving. He wonders who will save some warmth and grace for him, suggesting that he feels alone in his search for meaning and goodness in the world.
The chorus then brings up the idea of the fire that awaits unbelievers, and how all sinners are the same in front of it. This could refer to the idea of an afterlife or eternal punishment for those who reject religion, or simply to the idea that everyone will face consequences for their actions in some way. The singer and his lover are described as being bound to the tracks of the train, giving a sense of inevitability and helplessness in the face of fate.
The second verse explores the idea of being born again, probably in a religious sense, and the difficulty of finding grace in a world that does not always offer it. The bridge then shifts the focus to the singer's sense of apathy and uncertainty. He wonders if he should be excited or if the fate that half of the world has planned for him is something to dread. He also questions if his love and devotion to someone and something as vast and uncontrollable as the sea will be enough to save him in the end.
In summary, "Unbelievers" can be seen as a meditation on the human condition and our search for meaning and belonging in a world that can be both beautiful and cruel, and where faith and doubt often coexist.
Line by Line Meaning
Got a little soul
I have some spiritual inclination or belief
The world is a cold, cold place to be
Life can be harsh and unforgiving
Want a little warmth
I am looking for some comfort or love
But who's going to save a little warmth for me
I am unsure if anyone can provide me with that comfort or love
We know the fire awaits unbelievers
There is an afterlife that unbelievers will suffer in
All of the sinners the same
Everyone is equal in the eyes of judgment
Girl, you and I will die unbelievers bound to the tracks of the train
We are fated to suffer the same fate as those who are not religious
If I'm born again I know that the world will disagree
I have doubts about reincarnation and how society would view it
Want a little grace but who's going to say a little grace for me?
I am unsure if I can receive any divine assistance or forgiveness
I'm not excited, but should I be
I feel ambivalent about my fate and beliefs
Is this the fate that half of the world has planned for me?
I wonder if my religious beliefs are predetermined by society or culture
I know I love you, and you love the sea
I am sure of my feelings towards you and your affinity for the ocean
What holy water contains a little drop, little drop for me?
I question if there is any divine intervention or aid for me
See the sun go down, it's going on down when the night is deep
I observe the cyclical nature of life, with the sun setting when darkness arrives
Want a little light but who's going to save a little light for me?
I am uncertain if I can find any hope or guidance
Wonder if the water contains a little drop, little drop for me
I still question if there is any divine intervention or aid for me
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Rostam Batmanglij, Ezra Koenig
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind