Holy Ghost
Deer Scout Lyrics

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Holy ghost i barely recognize you
Something about you changed about your face
I have a thought i wanna run it by you
But it might be a sin to speculate
And i could find a new kind of devotion
I could know you by another name
I could make an image in you likeness
I could make a life out of the days

I would say the day i met you
I'd turn back on my feet
I would be no painter, picture, or the vision in between

Holy ghost I barely recognize you
Slipping out the penthouse fire escape
And i can tell the thought has crossed your mind now
That one of us is easily replace

Holy ghost i barely reconize you
Something about you changed about your face

I would be a stranger if i left you
But you are no creator without me

Overall Meaning

The opening verse of "Holy Ghost" by Deer Scout expresses an ambivalent attitude towards a personal or spiritual relationship with the titular holy ghost. The singer suggests that they have known this entity for some time, but have recently noticed a change in their demeanor or appearance. They also admit to considering the idea of the holy ghost in a new way, but feel hesitant about doing so, perhaps because of religious or moral apprehension. The singer then proposes that they could reinvent their perception of the holy ghost or even create an idol in their image. The final line of this verse implies a sense of identity or purpose that the singer derives from their association with the holy ghost, but also a reluctance to define themselves solely in relation to it.

The second verse of "Holy Ghost" introduces a new element of tension, as the singer suggests that the holy ghost is attempting to evade or escape them. The use of the phrase "penthouse fire escape" suggests a luxurious or elevated environment, but also a precarious one, as though the holy ghost is trying to flee from some danger or discomfort. The singer acknowledges that they can sense the holy ghost's unease and suspect that they may be considering replacing them, although it is unclear whether this refers to a specific situation or a more abstract fear of abandonment. The final repetition of the opening verse emphasizes the idea that the holy ghost is changing, but also reiterates the singer's ambivalence towards this shift and the complex relationship that they share.

Line by Line Meaning

Holy ghost i barely recognize you
The singer is acknowledging that they do not fully understand or know the entity known as the Holy Ghost.

Something about you changed about your face
The singer has noticed a difference in the Holy Ghost's appearance or behavior.

I have a thought i wanna run it by you
The singer has an idea they want to share with the Holy Ghost.

But it might be a sin to speculate
The artist is aware that their idea may be viewed as inappropriate or blasphemous.

And i could find a new kind of devotion
The artist is open to exploring different ways of worship or faith.

I could know you by another name
The singer is suggesting that the Holy Ghost could be recognized or called by a different title or identity.

I could make an image in you likeness
The singer is considering creating a representation of the Holy Ghost.

I could make a life out of the days
The artist believes they can create a meaningful existence with the guidance or influence of the Holy Ghost.

I would say the day i met you
The artist is reflecting on a significant moment when they first encountered the Holy Ghost.

I'd turn back on my feet
The artist would be willing to backtrack or reconsider their actions if it meant staying true to their faith or relationship with the Holy Ghost.

I would be no painter, picture, or the vision in between
The singer is not interested in simply creating a superficial or false representation of the Holy Ghost, but rather wants to fully understand or connect with the entity.

Slipping out the penthouse fire escape
The Holy Ghost is leaving or disappearing without warning or explanation.

And i can tell the thought has crossed your mind now
The singer senses that the Holy Ghost may be contemplating leaving or abandoning them.

That one of us is easily replace
The singer feels replaceable or unimportant compared to the Holy Ghost.

I would be a stranger if i left you
The singer believes that their identity or sense of self is intertwined with their relationship with the Holy Ghost.

But you are no creator without me
The artist believes that their role or participation is necessary for a meaningful relationship with the Holy Ghost.

Contributed by Hannah I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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