Chakal is a Brazilian thrash metal band from the label Cogumelo Records. Th… Read Full Bio ↴Chakal is a Brazilian thrash metal band from the label Cogumelo Records. They formed in 1986, and appeared on the first “Warfare Noise” thrash metal compilation with two tracks. The following year they released their debut album “Abominable Anno Domini”. Following the release of their "Living With the Pigs" EP in 1988, singer Vladimir Korg left the band to sing for Mayhem, who subsequently changed their name to The Mist with his arrival. He recorded two albums with them before later reuniting with Chakal for their 2003 album Deadland. During his absence Chakal released two further albums fronted by Marcelo L. As of today, the band are still on Cogumelo Records.

In Vain
Chakal Lyrics

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Looking for you and thinking
Trying to understand
Why do you keep on prayin'
If you don't know what it means

You go to the church
They absolve your sins
Then you repeat 'em like before

But you're feeling high and free

You fought but that's the wrong way
Can't you feel that it was all
In vain... for nothing

Following what you say
Woud be better than repeat again
So just don't pray in vain
And then you'll find the real way

You fought but that's the wrong way
Can't you feel that it was all
In vain... for nothing

Is that what you want to believe?
The passport to a better life?

Are you sure?
It's never too late

Overall Meaning

These lyrics suggest a search for understanding and meaning in religious practices. The singer questions the purpose of prayer, challenging its effectiveness in absolving sins if the person praying does not understand its true meaning. The repetition of sins despite absolution suggests the emptiness some people feel after going through the motions of religion without truly grasping its teachings. The phrase "feeling high and free" implies that the temporary sense of relief provided by absolution does not create lasting change in one's actions or beliefs.

The chorus repeats the idea that fighting for something in the wrong way is ultimately fruitless and that blindly repeating lifeless prayers is a meaningless pursuit. The singer suggests that rather than empty repetitions, individuals should better understand and practice the true teachings of their religion to find a more genuine path. The final line "it's never too late" seems to offer encouragement and hope for those seeking a deeper understanding but perhaps feeling disillusioned by past attempts.

Line by Line Meaning

Looking for you and thinking
Searching for guidance and contemplating

Trying to understand
Attempting to comprehend

Why do you keep on prayin'
Questioning the purpose of continual prayer

If you don't know what it means
If you lack understanding of its significance

You go to the church
You attend religious services

They absolve your sins
They forgive your transgressions

Then you repeat 'em like before
Then you continue to commit the same wrongdoings

But you're feeling high and free
But you experience liberation and elation nonetheless

You fought but that's the wrong way
You struggled but you took the incorrect path

Can't you feel that it was all
Don't you sense that it was completely

In vain... for nothing
Without purpose or significance