Holy Water
-=Soundgarden=- Lyrics


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Holy water on the brain and I'm losing sleep
Holy bible on the night stand next to me
As I'm raped by another monkey circus freak
Trying to take my indigence away from me, from me yeah

Holy water is rusting me, yeah
Holy water is rusting me, is rusting me, rusting me
Bloody murder is the best I've heard her scream
Holy devil in the flesh some might believe
And they take thine majesty so seriously
'Cause it's the big lies more likely to be believed, believed

Yeah, holy water is rusting me
Yeah, holy water is rusting me, is rusting me
Rusting me, yeah

Damn the water if its life, you want to drink
Mind your mother if it makes you feel at ease
As you're raped by another monkey circus freak
'Cause its the big lies are more likely to be believed, believed

Yeah, holy water is rusting me
Yeah, holy water is rusting me
Yeah, holy water is rusting me, is rusting me
Rusting me

Rusting me




Rusting me, yeah
Rusting me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in "Holy Water" by Soundgarden signify a commentary on the destructive nature of religious dogma and how it can cloud people's judgment and cause them to disassociate from reality. The first stanza references the singer being consumed by holy water, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for the singer's mind being overtaken by religious indoctrination. The line "As I'm raped by another monkey circus freak" can be interpreted as the singer feeling assaulted by the constant barrage of religious preaching and being forced into a cycle of dogmatic thinking. The use of the words "monkeys" and "circus" gives the impression that the singer sees the religious establishment as a spectacle, which they're not interested in being a part of.


The second verse takes a turn towards a more ominous tone. It references "holy devil in the flesh," suggesting that religious leaders can be hypocritical and use their authority to manipulate people. The line "And they take thine majesty so seriously" is a reference to how religious doctrine is often received as the truth without critical thought or questioning. The chorus repeats the line "holy water is rusting me," suggesting that religious indoctrination can corrode or damage one's mental and emotional wellbeing. The final stanza of the song suggests that the singer rejects the idea of religion altogether, referencing "damn the water" and advising others to "mind their mother" rather than follow religious authorities blindly.


Overall, the lyrics in "Holy Water" by Soundgarden provide a sobering reminder of the dangers of religious indoctrination and how it can lead to a disconnection from reality and a lack of personal agency.


Line by Line Meaning

Holy water on the brain and I'm losing sleep
I am obsessed with religion and it's disrupting my life


Holy bible on the night stand next to me
I keep a bible close to me at all times


As I'm raped by another monkey circus freak
I feel violated and taken advantage of by those around me


Trying to take my indigence away from me, from me yeah
Others are trying to take away my poverty and humility


Bloody murder is the best I've heard her scream
Violent and gruesome acts are more impressive to some people


Holy devil in the flesh some might believe
People sometimes personify evil and view it as a holy figure


And they take thine majesty so seriously
People take authority and power too seriously


'Cause it's the big lies more likely to be believed, believed
People are more likely to believe grandiose lies


Damn the water if its life, you want to drink
Do not value something just because it is essential to life


Mind your mother if it makes you feel at ease
Listen to advice from those close to you if it brings comfort


'Cause its the big lies are more likely to be believed, believed
People are inclined to believe elaborate lies


Yeah, holy water is rusting me
Religion is causing me harm


Rusting me
Continued harm




Lyrics © HIPGNOSIS SONGS GROUP
Written by: CORNELL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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