Sanctuary
Cult of Youth Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I saw my only vision and she led me by the hand
I said, "Forgive me sister for I know not what I′ve done
I know the end is coming", and she said "It's just begun"
And that she looks so fondly on those that come prepared
She asks me why I′m frightened and I said "It's cause I'm scared"
Cause all the kids I came up with have faced the status quo
She said that it was nothing and I said it was known
Cause all of us was trying, but none of us had tried
To force the hand of violence of allegiance to the state
Cause some of us was bored to death, the rest just could relate
And cruelty is an answer to the rattling of our chains
Like death is just a silencing of screaming in our brains
We walk the lines so patiently like lemmings through the field
No longer do we stand a chance to face what pleasure yields
And for nothing, and for nothing, and for nothing we awake
To see the end so clearly and to laugh at our mistakes
And for nothing, and for nothing, and for nothing we arise
To force the hand of violence and to try to turn the tide.
And I just sit here waiting for another war
And I just sit here waiting for another war
And I just sit here waiting for another war
Some of us are scared to death of things the rest ignore...
The lyrics of Cult of Youth's song "Sanctuary" convey a sense of urgency and despair in the face of an impending end. The singer seeks solace and guidance by going to the water, a symbol of cleansing and rebirth. There, they encounter their only vision, perhaps a representation of a higher power or their own intuition, who leads them. The singer acknowledges their lack of understanding and asks for forgiveness, recognizing that the end is approaching. However, the vision reassures them that this is only the beginning, implying a cycle of destruction and renewal.
The lyrics further explore the singer's fears and reflections on the state of society. They express their fright, which the vision questions. The singer explains that their fear stems from the fact that they are scared, possibly implying a fear of standing against the status quo. The reference to the kids the singer grew up with facing the status quo suggests a generational struggle against conformity. Despite their attempts to fight against the impending end, the singer and their peers have not truly committed themselves fully, only having made empty promises.
The song also delves into the concept of cruelty as a response to oppression and the silencing of dissent. The imagery of walking the lines like lemmings suggests a sense of blind conformity and submission to societal norms. Pleasure and the pursuit of personal happiness seem futile and unattainable, as the end becomes clearer. The lyrics suggest that the singer and others like them are awakening to the truth, recognizing their mistakes and the futility of their actions. Nevertheless, they still choose to rise and attempt to turn the tide of violence, suggesting a resilient spirit and a desire for change.
Line by Line Meaning
So I went down to the water and paid tribute to the land
I humbly approached nature and showed my respect
I saw my only vision and she led me by the hand
I encountered my ultimate guide who showed me the way
I said, "Forgive me sister for I know not what I've done
I apologized to my companion for my unawareness
I know the end is coming", and she said "It's just begun"
I believe the end is near, but she reassured me that it's just the beginning
And that she looks so fondly on those that come prepared
She highly regards those who are ready for what lies ahead
She asks me why I'm frightened and I said "It's cause I'm scared"
She inquired about my fear, and I honestly admitted my scared state
Cause all the kids I came up with have faced the status quo
Because all the people I grew up with have confronted the existing order
She said that it was nothing and I said it was known
She dismissed it as insignificant, but I acknowledged its truth
That all of us had sworn a pact to fight these end times
We all made a solemn agreement to battle the challenges of the current era
Cause all of us was trying, but none of us had tried
Although we were making efforts, none of us really gave it our all
To force the hand of violence of allegiance to the state
To exert pressure using violent means and question our loyalty to the government
Cause some of us was bored to death, the rest just could relate
Because some of us were extremely bored, while the others understood
And cruelty is an answer to the rattling of our chains
Cruelty serves as a response to the oppression we face
Like death is just a silencing of screaming in our brains
Death is merely the cessation of our inner turmoil
We walk the lines so patiently like lemmings through the field
We obediently follow the established paths, like lemmings in a field
No longer do we stand a chance to face what pleasure yields
We have lost the opportunity to experience the fruits of joy
And for nothing, and for nothing, and for nothing we wake
We wake up with no purpose or meaning
To see the end so clearly and to laugh at our mistakes
To witness the imminent conclusion and mock our errors
And for nothing, and for nothing, and for nothing we arise
We rise without purpose, without reason
To force the hand of violence and to try to turn the tide
To exert violent pressure and attempt to change the situation
And I just sit here waiting for another war
I passively wait for the arrival of yet another conflict
Some of us are scared to death of things the rest ignore...
A few of us are terrified by things that others disregard...
Writer(s): Oliver Palotai
Contributed by Violet V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@spinninggammadion6639
Best track of the album, love at first listen.
@mariuszpiskorz7929
Great vockal, great music. Awesome.
@natisantanac
Great!
@CzarRoseMusic
fuck yeh
@KolovratNeoFolk
Hard Core Neofolk ;)
@josepedragosadiaz5424
Nick Cave _