Ride
Cathedral Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Lack-lustre vacuum magnetises the land,
scopeless material in ruthless demand,
concrete spectacle superficially grand,
divine animation buried in sight.

[Chorus:]
We'll rise from the ashes of stagnation,
crystal warriors of damnation.

Nullified grafters manufactured from the womb,
out of the repro-clinic into household tomb.
Drag the nothing tiring through coal-dark underground,
drive the wheels of iron round and round.

[Repeat Chorus]

Scouring eyes sear through that book of lies,
and to the truth, well our search is dignified.
Whilst the yawny drone of physical machinery
march in robot mode to terminal destiny.
Microscopic observance, forsaken innerland,
spiritual inertia, absorbed in bland,
well our significance shan't sink in their charade,
'cause through their drab pantomime I say we're gonna ride!





[Repeat Chorus.]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Cathedral’s song “Ride” may be interpreted as a commentary on the modern world’s obsession with materialism and superficiality. The opening lines describe a world devoid of energy or spirit, where everything is reduced to its material worth. The use of the word “vacuum” suggests a void where nothing can thrive, and the repetition of words like “lack-lustre” and “scopeless” emphasizes the ennui and hopelessness of this existence.


The second verse introduces the idea of “Nullified grafters,” people who are created in a laboratory and exist only to carry out menial tasks without any sense of purpose or free will. These “manufactured” beings are condemned to a life of drudgery, working tirelessly in “coal-dark underground” to keep the wheels of industry turning. The image of “physical machinery” marching in “robot mode” suggests a lack of life or vitality, as if these people are no more than cogs in a vast, soulless machine.


The chorus offers a glimmer of hope, with the promise that the crystal warriors of damnation will rise from the ashes of stagnation. This phrase suggests that there is still some life left in the world, and that a new, more dynamic order can emerge. In the final verse, the lyrics become more philosophical, suggesting that it is our “observance” and “search” for truth that give our lives meaning. Although we may be surrounded by spiritual inertia and drab pantomime, we are still capable of riding into a new era of freedom and creativity.


Line by Line Meaning

Lack-lustre vacuum magnetises the land,
The land is dull and lifeless, drawing in people with no purpose or passion.


scopeless material in ruthless demand,
Society desires material things without any consideration of their true worth or value.


concrete spectacle superficially grand,
The grandeur of modern infrastructure is only superficial and lacks true depth and meaning.


divine animation buried in sight.
The spiritual essence of the world is hidden from view and ignored by society.


[Chorus:]
The chorus expresses a desire to rise up and rebel against this stagnant society.


We'll rise from the ashes of stagnation,
The ashes represent the destruction of the old ways, and rising from them represents progress and change.


crystal warriors of damnation.
The rebels will be fierce and unstoppable, like crystal warriors bringing damnation to their enemies.


Nullified grafters manufactured from the womb,
People are born into a system that nullifies their potential and turns them into laborers without purpose or passion.


out of the repro-clinic into household tomb.
The cycle of birth and life is bleak and without meaning, as people are born only to die in their mundane households.


Drag the nothing tiring through coal-dark underground,
Laborers are forced to do meaningless work in a dark and oppressive environment.


drive the wheels of iron round and round.
The cycle of daily life and work is monotonous and never-ending.


[Repeat Chorus]
The chorus is repeated to emphasize the desire for rebellion and change.


Scouring eyes sear through that book of lies,
Those who rebel against society seek the truth and are not fooled by the lies told to them.


and to the truth, well our search is dignified.
The search for truth is a noble pursuit and is worth the effort.


Whilst the yawny drone of physical machinery
The monotony of physical labor and machinery is contrasted with the excitement of rebellion and seeking truth.


march in robot mode to terminal destiny.
Those who conform to society's expectations are doomed to a meaningless existence.


Microscopic observance, forsaken innerland,
People are too focused on the physical world and have neglected their spiritual selves.


spiritual inertia, absorbed in bland,
The lack of spiritual growth and passion has left people with a bland and unfulfilling existence.


well our significance shan't sink in their charade,
Despite society's efforts to suppress and nullify them, the rebels know their true worth and purpose.


'cause through their drab pantomime I say we're gonna ride!
The rebels will rise up and take control, riding on the excitement and passion of rebellion.


[Repeat Chorus.]
The chorus is repeated again to emphasize the determination to rise up and rebel against society.




Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BERNADETTE M. O'REILLY, BILLY CRAWFORD, EVE NELSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@johnpowell3767

BLACK SABBATH and TROUBLE had a kid. Its name was CATHEDRAL. I can't believe I'm in my 60's and still listening to this. No wonder my grandchildren don't understand me! My car, my music, my rules!

@deceiver444

The drum sound on that album is nothing short of amazing. Organic yet punchy and heavy as it should.

@chubz4107

Thats my pops

@steelerfreak1977

Agreed. Love both the drum sound and performance. Wharton was my favorite drummer of theirs.

@steelerfreak1977

@@chubz4107 Give your father my regards. He killed it on this album. Thanks!

@elalek8444

@@chubz4107 fantastic drums!!

@micklee5152

And the bass, guitars, and vox. The mix is perfect for a heavy record

3 More Replies...

@metalmickey

I'd say Iommi even listened to these riffs and thought oh fuck I missed a couple

@nemontemi666

VintageWhine lol....

@jeanlefebvreGenX

hahahaha

More Comments

More Versions