Band members:
Tim Kasher – lead vocals, guitars, organ
Matt Maginn – bass, backing vocals
Clint Schnase – drums, percussion
Ted Stevens – guitars, backing vocals
Patrick Newbery – miscellaneous instruments
1997 - Such Blinding Stars for Starving Eyes
1998 - The Storms of Early Summer
2000 - Domestica
2003 - The Ugly Organ
2006 - Happy Hollow
2009 - Mama, I'm Swollen
2012 - I Am Gemini
2018 - Vitriola
2019 - Get Fixed
Big Bang
Cursive Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A debate was born, picket lines were drawn
There was this big bang once, now we're learning to use our thumbs
We need a purpose in life, a survival guide
We need explanations for how we arrived
There was this big bang once, now we're standing on our own two feet
There was this big bang once, we've been sharpening up our teeth
They say there was this big bang once, but the clergyman doesn't agree, oh no
There was this big bang once, but it don't jive with Adam and Eve
Original sin, idyllic garden
Some talking snake giving apples away
What would that snake say if he could only see us today?
Ha ha ha!
There was this big bang once, we were left here to fill in the blanks
There was this big bang once, now we're aimlessly drifting in space
We're gonna need an explanation for rational thought
And what it meant and the weight of our hearts
In a world of entropy, why can't we just simply be?
And don't feed me lies, intelligent design
There was this big bang once, why are we raptured on our knees?
Ha!
The lyrics of Cursive's song "Big Bang" primarily address the contrast between science and religion in terms of how humans arrived on earth and our purpose for being here. The first verse particularly highlights human beings' struggle to understand their origins and the immense discovery of our ability to use tools as a species. The line "Before we ever saw straight, we were grasping at straws" suggests that human beings may have come to conclusions or attempted to fill in the gaps regarding our origins without necessarily having complete knowledge to do so. The following line, "A debate was born, picket lines were drawn," could be an allusion to the ongoing debate between science and religion regarding the universe's origin. The chorus, "There was this big bang once, now we're standing on our own two feet/There was this big bang once, we've been sharpening up our teeth," celebrates the concept of evolution and humanity's progress over time since the event that propelled the universe into existence.
The second verse further delves into the desire for humans to understand our purpose and the meaning of our existence. The line "We need a purpose in life, a survival guide" speaks to our need for a guiding force, a reason for why we are here. The line "There was this big bang once, now we're aimlessly drifting in space" highlights the existential question of whether or not there is a purpose to our existence or if we are simply existing without a particular direction. The bridge of the song emphasizes the tension between science and religion, with the image of an "idyllic garden" and a "talking snake" versus "rationale thought" and "intelligent design." The line "why are we raptured on our knees?" could reference humanity's tendency to depend on external forces to provide answers regarding our origins, rather than embracing the possibility that science can provide an accurate answer.
Line by Line Meaning
Before we ever saw straight, we were grasping at straws
Before humans achieved a clear understanding of the world, they were trying to make sense of it in any way possible
A debate was born, picket lines were drawn
With the emergence of different viewpoints, opposing sides emerged
There was this big bang once, now we're learning to use our thumbs
The beginning of the universe provided the foundation for life, and humans have since evolved and adapted to survive in their environment
We need a purpose in life, a survival guide
Humans require direction and guidance to navigate through life
We need explanations for how we arrived
Humans seek to understand the origin of their existence
There was this big bang once, now we're standing on our own two feet
The creation of the universe allowed humans to evolve intellectually and gain independence
There was this big bang once, we've been sharpening up our teeth
Since the beginning of time, humans have been adapting and developing tools to survive in their environment
They say there was this big bang once, but the clergyman doesn't agree, oh no
Despite scientific evidence supporting the Big Bang theory, some religious leaders do not accept it
There was this big bang once, but it don't jive with Adam and Eve
The creation story of Adam and Eve conflicts with the idea of the Big Bang
Original sin, idyllic garden
The idea of sin and paradise before the fall of man
Some talking snake giving apples away
Reference to the biblical story of the serpent tempting Adam and Eve with the forbidden fruit
What would that snake say if he could only see us today?
Reflecting on the irony of how humans have evolved since the time of Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden
There was this big bang once, we were left here to fill in the blanks
The creation of the universe left many unanswered questions for humans to discover and understand
There was this big bang once, now we're aimlessly drifting in space
Despite the evolution of humans, they still struggle with finding purpose in the vastness of the universe
We're gonna need an explanation for rational thought
Humans require an explanation for their ability to reason and think critically
And what it meant and the weight of our hearts
Humans seek understanding of their emotions and the significance of their actions
In a world of entropy, why can't we just simply be?
Despite the natural disorder in the universe, humans strive for a sense of peace and simplicity
And don't feed me lies, intelligent design
Rejecting the idea of an intelligent designer and seeking scientific truth
There was this big bang once, why are we raptured on our knees?
Despite humans' evolution and scientific advancements, they still struggle with finding spiritual and emotional fulfillment
Ha!
Interjection denoting a sharp exclamation or laugh
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Clint Frederick Schnase, Matthew Ryan Maginn, Ted James Stevens, Tim Kasher
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ExistentialGirl
I've always been a Cursive fan, especially when I was particularly love-stricken and heart-broken. I hadn't played them in a few years, and came across this today. This is newer? The sound is still great, and it's really neat how, at least in this song, the focus of the lyrics has changed...matured, become more philosophical. It pretty wicked.
Nosferatu Sleepaid
13 yrs aye
Krampus Thunderstick
Wicked?
brianmojo
Now THAT'S what I call a video! Nice concept, well executed. Great job, guys! Fits the song nicely too.
Nosferatu Sleepaid
14 yrs ago
ColdSig
That was an incredible music video. Disregarding what a great song also, the video was outstanding. It made me feel feelings.
Mitzel plik
Never gets old. Top ten all time favorite cursive songs.
Mitzel plik
im back and still chills. the solo! so perfect
Marcia
perfect video for one of my favorite cursive songs!!!
Michael Shapcott
Awesome Cursive rocks my world.