deCanonized
Kill Switch... Klick Lyrics
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Down on your knees for the evangelistic gigolo
I've got the power to set you free
If you give all your money and your soul to me
deCanonized, deCanonized
Well I sold you Christ as advertised
deCanonized, deCanonized
deCanonized, deCanonized
Well my second coming is now televised
deCanonized, deCanonized
When I say what I say what I say
Now can't you feel my God is real
Can't you understand, don't you crave my sex appeal
You can afford hypocrisy
You'll pay the price as I do what I please
In Kill Switch... Klick's song "deCanonized," the lyrics describe a manipulative, power-hungry evangelist who preaches salvation but actually seeks to control and exploit his followers. The opening lines use a classic showbiz intro ("one for the money, two for the show") to set the stage for this persuasive con artist, who demands his listeners kneel before him. The chorus references the idea of "de-canonization," or removing something from official religious canon, suggesting that the character has turned his back on traditional beliefs and instead sells a distorted, self-serving version of Christianity.
The second verse emphasizes the evangelist's focus on money and deceit. He claims to embody a second coming of Christ, but the truth is obscured by his sexual manipulations and lies. The bridge challenges the listener to feel the power and "realness" of the evangelist's God, while also pointing out his sexual allure as a tool to entice followers. The final line suggests that those who fall under his spell will ultimately pay a steep price for their hypocrisy.
From a broader perspective, "deCanonized" is a scathing critique of religious leaders who use their positions to exercise control over their congregations, often at the expense of their followers' well-being. Rather than offering genuine spiritual guidance, these leaders convince their listeners to submit to a distorted version of the truth in exchange for the promise of salvation.
Line by Line Meaning
One for the money, two for the show
I'm a performer, and I'm all about the money and the showmanship
Down on your knees for the evangelistic gigolo
I'm a religious figure, but I also use my charisma and sexuality to control people
I've got the power to set you free
I have power over people and can manipulate them to do what I want
If you give all your money and your soul to me
I demand complete devotion and loyalty from my followers, including their possessions and spiritual beliefs
deCanonized, deCanonized
I'm not a religious figure to be revered anymore; I've lost my influence and status
Well I sold you Christ as advertised
I used religion as a tool to manipulate people, rather than genuinely believing in it
Between the sheets, between the lies
My sexual exploits and deceitful behavior are hidden from public view
Well my second coming is now televised
I'm using media and technology to promote my image and spread my message
When I say what I say what I say
I'm in complete control of what I say and how I'm perceived
Now can't you feel my God is real
I expect my followers to blindly accept and believe in my version of God and religion
Can't you understand, don't you crave my sex appeal
I use my sexuality as a form of control over my followers, and expect them to desire me
You can afford hypocrisy
I expect my followers to look past my contradictory behavior and beliefs
You'll pay the price as I do what I please
I'm in complete control and my followers will suffer the consequences of my actions
Contributed by Eliana T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.