the way
Me'Shell NdegéOcello Lyrics
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The light is so blinding
Your followers condemn me your words used to enslave me
Jesus cured the blind man so that he could see the evils of the world
Perchance blindness is but a dark thought overcome by the light
Maybe Judas was the better man and Mary made a virgin just to save face
I too am so ashamed on bended knees
Brother John Paul convinced himself of his wisdom to judge to forgive to condemn
Mother Mary full of grace I'm so confused by her pale white face
God so loved the world he gave his only son
But many mothers bear children martyrs of greed bitter love
While the so called chosen make war
So many suffer in the name of god their faith at a closed door
The lyrics of Me'Shell NdegéOcello's song The Way express a perspective on organized religion, specifically Christianity, that is disillusioned and critical. The first line speaks of the belief that Jesus is the way and the light, but then questions why that belief blinds people to other viewpoints and leads to condemnation of those who do not share it. The next line references the story of Jesus curing a blind man, but suggests that perhaps blindness is merely a metaphor for closed-mindedness, and that true enlightenment comes from overcoming such limitations. The next stanza explores the idea that certain figures in the Bible may not be as virtuous as they are typically portrayed, such as Judas and Mary, and expresses shame at having placed faith in a religion that revolves so heavily around a "pretty white Jesus."
Line by Line Meaning
They say you're the way the light
It is said that you are the path to enlightenment
The light is so blinding
Enlightenment can be overwhelming and difficult to comprehend
Your followers condemn me your words used to enslave me
Your followers judge and condemn me based on your teachings that perpetuate oppression
Jesus cured the blind man so that he could see the evils of the world
Jesus bestowed insight upon the blind man, allowing him to recognize the injustices present in the world
Perchance blindness is but a dark thought overcome by the light
Perhaps ignorance is simply a negative mindset that can be conquered by gaining knowledge and understanding
Maybe Judas was the better man and Mary made a virgin just to save face
Perhaps the traditional narrative of Judas as the villain and Mary as a virginal mother is misguided and incomplete
I too am so ashamed on bended knees
I also feel guilty and remorseful, with a sense of submission and humility
Prayin' to my pretty white Jesus
Worshipping a depiction of Jesus that is whitewashed and unrealistic
Brother John Paul convinced himself of his wisdom to judge to forgive to condemn
John Paul believed in his own superiority and authority to pass judgment and condemn others, as well as forgive them
Mother Mary full of grace I'm so confused by her pale white face
The traditional portrayal of Mary as pale-skinned and graceful is confusing and contradictory
God so loved the world he gave his only son
God demonstrated love for humanity by sacrificing his only son for their salvation
But many mothers bear children martyrs of greed bitter love
There are mothers who bear children who become martyrs due to the harmful effects of greed and misguided love
While the so called chosen make war
Those who believe themselves to be chosen by God engage in acts of violence and conflict
So many suffer in the name of god their faith at a closed door
Countless individuals endure hardship and oppression in the name of religion, with their faith leading them to a dead end
Contributed by Lila P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.