By being one of the first bands to blend anarcho-punk and heavy metal music, Amebix are often cited as one of the key bands that helped to create the crust punk style, and are considered as a proto-thrash metal band. Such notable bands as Sepultura, Neurosis, and Deviated Instinct have paid homage.
belief
Amebix Lyrics
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In grotesque clothes as tokens of esteem
And stoop beneath the musty pulpit, ready to submit
Their bodies and their souls to the machine
It's normal to submit
To feed the holy leech
To sell yourself to slavery
The smell of the church lies like guilt upon their shoulders
Oppressive silence dulls the brain, accept
Kneel in repentance, you will accept our doctrine
And share in all the relics we have kept
People must believe in ways to eliminate their freedom
The church is just like bondage of the brain
It's frightening to realise what's happening outside
Obscure the view with Christ on coloured panes
The lyrics of Amebix's song "Belief" are a critique of organized religion and the negative effects it can have on individuals and society as a whole. The song describes the ritualistic behavior of churchgoers on Sundays, referring to their clothing and the musty pulpit as tokens of esteem. The lyrics suggest that these individuals stoop beneath the pulpit because they are ready to submit their bodies and souls to the machine of organized religion.
The song goes on to criticize the idea of submission and selling oneself to slavery in the name of religion. The "holy leech" mentioned here may refer to the church itself, as it is often seen as an institution that sucks the life and energy out of its followers. The lyrics suggest that people are conditioned to believe in ways that eliminate their freedom, and that the church is like bondage for the brain. The song concludes by implying that the church obscures the view of what is happening outside with its colored panes of Christ, a reference to the stained glass windows commonly found in churches.
Overall, "Belief" is a scathing critique of organized religion and the ways in which it can manipulate and control individuals. The song makes an argument in favor of independent thought and freedom from the constraints of religious dogma.
Line by Line Meaning
Have you ever watched them as they gather there on Sundays
Have you ever observed the church-goers together on Sundays?
In grotesque clothes as tokens of esteem
In bizarre outfits as symbols of admiration
And stoop beneath the musty pulpit, ready to submit
And crouch below the stale preaching stand, set to surrender
Their bodies and their souls to the machine
Their bodies and spirits to the religious system
It's normal to submit
It's habitual to give in
To feed the holy leech
To nourish the sacred parasite
To sell yourself to slavery
To sell your own self into bondage
Believe in what they preach
Believe in their teachings
The smell of the church lies like guilt upon their shoulders
The scent of the church feels like a burden of guilt
Oppressive silence dulls the brain, accept
Overwhelming stillness numbs the mind, obey
Kneel in repentance, you will accept our doctrine
Kneel in contrition, and you will embrace our doctrine
And share in all the relics we have kept
And partake in all the artifacts we have preserved
People must believe in ways to eliminate their freedom
Individuals should have faith in methods that strip them of their liberty
The church is just like bondage of the brain
The church is analogous to fetters on the mind
It's frightening to realise what's happening outside
It's scary to recognize what's occurring beyond these walls
Obscure the view with Christ on coloured panes
Distort the perspective with vibrant windows of Jesus
Contributed by Layla T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.