The start off point being songs in my own library, here is a list
No Shade in the Shadow of the Cross
Sufjan Stevens Lyrics
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My only lover, give out to give in
I search for the capsule I lost
Drag me to hell in the valley of the Dalles
Like my mother, give wings to a stone
It's only the shadow of a cross
I slept on my back in the shade of the meadowlark
Like a champion, get drunk to get laid
I take one more hit when you depart
I'll drive that stake through the center of my heart
Lonely vampire inhaling its fire
I'm chasing the dragon too far
There's blood on that blade, fuck me, I'm falling apart
My assassin like Casper the ghost
There's no shade in the shadow of the cross
The first verse of "No Shade in the Shadow of the Cross" by Sufjan Stevens might be interpreted as a narrative of a person who has surrendered themselves completely to their lover, and who is searching for something lost. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the search for meaning, satisfaction, or love that one experiences in a romantic relationship. The second verse of the song brings the listener's awareness to the theme of death and dying, as evidenced by the reference to "dragging [someone] to hell" and "mother [giving] wings to a stone". This could be interpreted as a metaphor for death's inevitability, and how one can easily succumb to it if they do not hold on to a sense of hope and resilience.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "there's no shade in the shadow of the cross," which has religious connotations. The Christian cross symbolizes Christ's death and resurrection, and it could be interpreted as an acknowledgment of the inevitability of death, as well as a call to find hope and meaning amidst the struggles of life. The final verse of the song brings together the themes of love, death, and the search for meaning, as the singer describes themselves as a "lonely vampire [who is] inhaling its fire" and who is "chasing the dragon too far". These lyrics could be interpreted as a metaphor for the struggle to find what one desires, which can ultimately lead to one's downfall.
Line by Line Meaning
Now that I fell into your arms
Having fallen in love with you, I'm now in your embrace
My only lover, give out to give in
As my only lover, I surrender completely to you
I search for the capsule I lost
I look for something I lost, perhaps a pill or a drug
Drag me to hell in the valley of the Dalles
Take me to a dark place, surrounded by hills and valleys
Like my mother, give wings to a stone
Similar to how my mother made something impossible happen, I hope to do the same
It's only the shadow of a cross
It's just a symbol of something greater
I slept on my back in the shade of the meadowlark
I rested on my back in the cool, shaded area of the meadow
Like a champion, get drunk to get laid
I consume alcohol to help me with sexual encounters, as if I were a winner
I take one more hit when you depart
When you leave, I take another dose, perhaps of drugs or alcohol
I'll drive that stake through the center of my heart
I will end the pain I'm feeling in my heart by killing myself
Lonely vampire inhaling its fire
I feel alone and empty, trying to fill my soul with something that burns like fire
I'm chasing the dragon too far
I'm pushing myself to the limit, pursuing something that is ultimately harmful
There's blood on that blade, fuck me, I'm falling apart
I'm realizing that I'm wounded or hurt, and that pain is taking its toll
My assassin like Casper the ghost
The person who is causing me harm seems to be invisible and mysterious
There's no shade in the shadow of the cross
Even though a cross is a symbol of hope and salvation, it doesn't provide any relief or respite from my suffering
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Sufjan Stevens
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@eatyourkimchi
Oh man this is gorgeous!
@peaceweaves
I never pegged the dothraki man warrior to be a fan of sujan stevems... so much respect to the both of you. and to spudgy.
@eatyourkimchi
peaceweaves We actually saw him live in Toronto, before we moved to Canada. He played in a small church, and it was probably the most beautiful show we've ever been to.
@peaceweaves
Eat Your Kimchi This coming from two people who have shared a couch with Wonder Girls, MBLAQ, and Sistar... And talked to GD... I'm so much fangirling... You guys are freaking awesome. Keep doing what you do!
@healingv1sion
You like Of Montreal and Sufjan! You should check out The Dear Hunter if you haven't already! More rock music but with really nice melodies!
@Ratablama
healingv1sion
Deerhunter would probably be more apt of a choice. And by that I mean actually good
@muhsspacecase
"There's blood on that blade / fuck me I'm falling apart" gets me every time
@kkkkkooooosssss
Thinking about actually getting a tattoo of that. Hit me to the bone, first time I heard it. Never left me too.
@leightonellis4957
Ben Hollister SAME
😂👌😂
@pubbets7290
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