Dear Miss Lonelyhearts, which features the rollicking, energetic single "Miracle Mile," is Cold War Kids' first release with former Modest Mouse and Murder City Devils guitarist Dann Gallucci, who also handled its production alongside Lars Stalfors.
"We were shaken up, ready to let certain songs go further than before by trying new styles and arrangements, while keeping others sparse and caring more about the finished product and less about how we got there," explains frontman Nathan Willet about the ten-track album, which was recorded at the band's private studio in San Pedro, CA.
Cold War Kids are from Los Angeles, CA.
Sermons
Cold War Kids Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lord have mercy on me, we're talking about two different things
Television and Life magazine
Lord have mercy on my
Lord have mercy on me
Got this idea in my head and I can't get it out
'Cause all your money and all your culture
A pile of treaures up on earth
But what you keep and what you take
Are property, vanity, and even knowledge for knowledge sake
And I said, Lord have mercy on me
We're talking about two different things
Televison and Life Magazine
Lord have mercy on me
Lord have mercy on me
Don't want to see no psychoanalyst
Experienced in assisting to adjust
European travel, the H Bomb, Presidential elections
Front page of the new york times
The front page of the New York Times
Lord have mercy on me
We're talking about two different things
Television and Life magazine
Lord have mercy on me
Lord have mercy on me
Quit your griping, shine your shoes
Tell you a little secret for your blues
Don't make no difference, just watching from the stands
Fat lady always claps her hands
Lord have mercy on me
Sayin', even if you're robbing from the poor
Lord have mercy on me
I believe the words can change the heart
The words can change the heart
The words can change the heart
Have mercy on me, oh Lord
Lord have mercy on me
Talkin' bout two different things
Television, yeah, Life magazine, yeah
Lord have mercy on me, God
Lord have mercy on me
Gettin closer everyday
Getting closer everyday
Closer everyday
The lyrics to Cold War Kid's "Sermons" seem to address the idea of materialism and consumerism in society, and the ways in which they distract from more meaningful experiences and values. The singer seems to be grappling with the tension between worldly possessions and spiritual fulfillment, asking for mercy as they navigate these different perspectives. The repeated refrain of "getting closer everyday" suggests a yearning for growth and progress towards a more fulfilling life.
The references to television and Life magazine, as well as the front page of the New York Times, serve as symbols of the media and cultural influences that can distract from more important things. The lines "A pile of treasures up on earth / But what you keep and what you take / Are property, vanity, and even knowledge for knowledge sake" convey a sense of futility in accumulating material possessions or knowledge for their own sake.
The song also touches on the idea of social justice, with lyrics such as "even if you're robbing from the poor" and "I believe the words can change the heart". These statements suggest a desire for a more just and equitable society, but also a recognition of the power of language and communication in bringing about change.
Line by Line Meaning
Getting closer everyday, getting closer everyday
We are coming closer to an understanding or resolution with time
Lord have mercy on me, we're talking about two different things
There is a misunderstanding or disagreement and we need divine intervention to overcome it
Television and Life magazine
Expressions of the popular culture that are hypocritical and shallow
Lord have mercy on my
An appeal for divine forgiveness or help in knowing what is right
Got this idea in my head and I can't get it out
A persistent thought or belief that is entrenched in his mind and hard to shake off
'Cause all your money and all your culture
Material wealth and refined tastes that do not satisfy the soul
I can surely live without
He does not need or desire these things to live a meaningful life
A pile of treasures up on earth
Accumulation of worldly possessions and status symbols that are temporary and fleeting
But what you keep and what you take
What you value and treasure in life
Are property, vanity, and even knowledge for knowledge sake
Possessions, pride, and intellectual pursuits that do not lead to wisdom or fulfillment
And I said, Lord have mercy on me
A solemn plea for help or guidance
Don't want to see no psychoanalyst
He does not need a mental health specialist to diagnose his issues
Experienced in assisting to adjust
A professional trained to help patients overcome their emotional problems
European travel, the H Bomb, Presidential elections
Global affairs and politics that are often sensationalized or trivialized in the media
Front page of the new york times
The most prominent and influential newspaper in America
Quit your griping, shine your shoes
Stop complaining and focus on improving yourself
Tell you a little secret for your blues
A piece of advice or wisdom to help alleviate one's sadness or anxiety
Don't make no difference, just watching from the stands
Whether you participate or not, life goes on and you need to adapt to changing circumstances
Fat lady always claps her hands
No matter how insignificant or trivial an event may seem, someone will always find a reason to celebrate it
Sayin', even if you're robbing from the poor
Even if you commit an injustice against a disadvantaged group
I believe the words can change the heart
Words have the power to inspire, transform, and heal the human spirit
Have mercy on me, oh Lord
A repeated plea for divine compassion or forgiveness
Lord have mercy on me
An invocation for divine help or guidance
Gettin closer everyday
We are moving towards greater understanding, compassion, and empathy with time
Contributed by Evan J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.