According to Songfacts, Buffalo Tom's name is derived from the band Buffalo Springfield and the first name of the drummer Tom Maginnis. The band epitomized the rise of indie guitar rock in the 1990s, but unfortunately they had only limited commercial success, despite the consistently high quality of their records.
While Buffalo Tom never 'officially' broke up, they took a seven year break, starting around 1999/2000. During that time while singer/guitarist Bill Janovitz and singer/bassist Chris Colbourn worked on solo material and other projects (Bill with his band, The Crown Victoria, Chris with former Fuzzy singer/guitarist Hilken Mancini). Drummer Tom Maginnis took up a day job in publishing.
In 2007 the trio began playing again and released an album of new material, Three Easy Pieces.
As of 2018 they are again active, touring behind their album released 3/2/2018, "Quiet and Peace."
www.buffalotom.com
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The bible
Buffalo Tom Lyrics
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These are the things that bring your love to me
How sweet the sentence, How sweet the lips?
How do you expect, the same face that they kiss?
It's only the Bible, It's only the Bible
You're only a child and you're reading too late
It's only a child, you should leave your soul to me...
Harlots are angels, celibate priests
Contented Romans, bring your souls to speed
How sweet the flour, how sweet the cake
Even at the risk, of losing my last break
It's only the Bible, It's only the Bible
It's only a child and you're reading too late
It's only the Bible, It's only the Bible
It's only a child, you should leave your soul to me...
Blinded by halos, blood where the fields grow
I'm on my way home, but I'm not afraid
Bell, book and candle, murder and greed
These are the things that bring your love to me
It's only the Bible, It's only the Bible
It's only a child and you're reading too late
It's only the Bible, It's only the Bible
It's only a child, and I need your faith
It's only the Bible, It's only the Bible
It's only a child and you're reading too late
It's only the Bible, It's only the Bible
It's only a child, and I need your faith
How long should I wait, how long should I fake
How long, 'till my feelings will break
How long should I wait, how long should I fake
How long, 'till my feelings are disgraced
The song "The Bible" by Buffalo Tom is a complex and thought-provoking piece of music that delves into themes of religion, temptation, and human weakness. The lyrics suggest that the Bible, despite its holy connotations, can lead people down dark paths, fueling greed, lust, and murder.
The first verse evokes the image of the bell, book, and candle, which in medieval times were used to excommunicate or curse someone. The line "murder and greed, these are the things that bring your love to me" suggests that the singer is drawn to those who are willing to commit immoral acts in pursuit of their desires.
The second verse plays with the idea of religious ritual and temptation. The line "how sweet the sentence, how sweet the lips" suggests that the singer is enticed by the promise of salvation, while the line "how do you expect the same face that they kiss" hints at the possibility of deception. The refrain "it's only the Bible" seems to suggest a sense of disillusionment with religious texts and their ability to guide people towards righteousness.
Overall, the song offers a complex perspective on religion and morality, suggesting that even the most sacred texts can be used to justify immoral behavior. The singer seems to be grappling with their own moral compass, questioning how long they can continue to fake their feelings and hold on to their faith.
Line by Line Meaning
Bell, book and candle, murder and greed
The things that evoke feelings of love in you are related to ancient superstitious practices, violent tendencies, and a strong desire for material possessions
How sweet the sentence, How sweet the lips?
You find comfort and pleasure in hearing words that sound soothing, but you're not sure if they are sincere or if the person speaking them really means them
How do you expect, the same face that they kiss?
You question whether someone who speaks sweetly to you may actually be living a double life or hiding their true intentions
It's only the Bible, It's only the Bible
The ancient text that you cling to for guidance and solace is just a book with words printed on its pages, it's not a magical object that can solve all your problems
You're only a child and you're reading too late
You have waited too long to try and find answers in the Bible, as you may have already developed a mature perspective that cannot be easily swayed by simple words
How sweet the flour, how sweet the cake
You are easily tempted by things that look or taste pleasing, even if indulging in them may lead to negative consequences in the long run
Even at the risk, of losing my last break
You are willing to take risks and gamble away everything you have, even if it means losing everything dear to you
Harlots are angels, celibate priests
People who may seem like complete opposites may in fact share the same qualities or experiences, and it is not fair to judge them solely based on their outward appearance or profession
Contented Romans, bring your souls to speed
Some people may appear to be happy or at peace with their lives, but this does not mean that they are necessarily fulfilled or living in accordance with their true desires
Blinded by halos, blood where the fields grow
You may be overwhelmed by religious or spiritual experiences, even if they are not necessarily grounded in reality or logic
I'm on my way home, but I'm not afraid
You are ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead, even if you are uncertain of the outcome
It's only a child, and I need your faith
You are seeking validation or support from others, even if they may not be completely qualified to give you the answers you need
How long should I wait, how long should I fake
You are tired of trying to hide your true feelings or conform to societal expectations, and you are ready to express yourself without reservation
How long, 'till my feelings will break
You are not sure how much longer you can hold back your emotions or keep up a façade of happiness
How long, 'till my feelings are disgraced
You fear that if you reveal your true feelings, you will be judged or rejected by those around you
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: COLBOURN, JANOVITZ, MAGINNIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind