The Powers That Be
Metal Church Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

It's more than understanding, to realize just what it means
Interpretations, different meanings, can be drawn out of anything
It all makes sense now, I see it clear
The picture comes together, and I have lost the fear

Your heart is the key
The powers that be
Are handed to me

There is no suit of armor to protect you from the dark
Just let your guard down, and the sword will hit the mark
The words get twisted, you hear the lies
Just takes a look around you, and pray they realize

Your heart is the key
The powers that be
My sanctuary

It's not what you wear, it's what's in your mind
It's not worth the emptiness inside
I have left all blackness behind
No more questions about black and white

A gift of free will, the choice is all up to you
Just let your faith rule, and you will know what to do
The cults grow stronger, I'll stay away
I'm looking at tomorrow, now I know the way

Your heart is the key




The powers that be
Are handed to me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Metal Church's "The Powers That Be" center on the idea of understanding the power that lies within oneself. The first stanza hints at the multiple interpretations that can be derived from anything, indicating that the lyrics could mean different things to different people. However, the singer finally realizes the true meaning and has overcome their fear. The second stanza reveals that the heart is the key to unlocking this power, which is handed to them. There is no protective gear to shield them from the darkness of the world, but letting down one's guard helps the person grow stronger.


The third stanza emphasizes the importance of the mind rather than the exterior. The notion of emptiness inside, a reference to a quality that remains after someone acquires material possessions, points to the idea that there is more to life than what we see on the surface. The singer has left behind their dark state of mind and no longer questions the relevance of black and white. The fourth and final stanza advises that everyone has the power of free will, and it is up to them to make the right choice. Staying away from cults is recommended as it gives you a chance to look forward to tomorrow, knowing the way.


Line by Line Meaning

It's more than understanding, to realize just what it means
The true meaning behind something is more than just surface-level understanding


Interpretations, different meanings, can be drawn out of anything
Different people can interpret things differently and see different meanings in them


It all makes sense now, I see it clear
Everything is coming together and making sense now


The picture comes together, and I have lost the fear
The big picture is becoming clearer and as a result, fear is dissipating


Your heart is the key
Your emotions and what you truly believe in are crucial to understanding this


The powers that be
The greater forces at work shaping our world and actions


Are handed to me
I hold the power to choose and act based on what I believe and feel


There is no suit of armor to protect you from the dark
You cannot be completely protected from the negative aspects of the world


Just let your guard down, and the sword will hit the mark
Being vulnerable and open may have negative consequences


The words get twisted, you hear the lies
People can manipulate language to distort the truth


Just takes a look around you, and pray they realize
Observe the world and hope others come to understand the true nature of things


My sanctuary
A place of safety and comfort due to my beliefs and understanding


It's not what you wear, it's what's in your mind
Your thoughts and beliefs are more important than your physical appearance


It's not worth the emptiness inside
Being fake or lacking true beliefs leads to a feeling of emptiness inside


I have left all blackness behind
I have moved past negative and dark aspects in my life


No more questions about black and white
I'm no longer concerned about simple, binary answers or explanations


A gift of free will, the choice is all up to you
We are given the gift of free will and ultimately responsible for our own actions and beliefs


Just let your faith rule, and you will know what to do
Allow your beliefs and emotions to guide your decision-making


The cults grow stronger, I'll stay away
I will avoid groups or beliefs that seek to manipulate, control, or harm others


I'm looking at tomorrow, now I know the way
I have a clear understanding of where I'm going and who I am




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CRAIG STEPHEN WELLS, KURDT YORK VANDERHOOF

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Most interesting comments from YouTube:

James Henderson

It's more than understanding, to realize just what it means
Interpretations, different meanings, can be drawn out of anything
It all makes sense now, I see it clear
The picture comes together, and I have lost the fear

Your heart is the key
The powers that be
Are handed to me

There is no suit of armor to pretect you from the dark
Just let your guard down, and the sword will hit the mark
The words get twisted, you hear the lies
Just takes a look around you, and pray they realize

Your heart is the key
The powers that be
My sanctuary

It's not what you wear, it's what's in your mind
It's not worth the emptiness inside
I have left all blackness behind
No more questions about black and white

A gift of free will, the choice is all up to you
Just let your faith rule, and you will know what to do
The cults grow stronger, I'll stay away
I'm looking at tomorrow, now I know the way

Your heart is the key
The powers that be
Are handed to me



Dom Russo

It's more than understanding, to realize just what it means
Interpretations, different meanings, can be drawn out of anything
It all makes sense now, I see it clear
The picture comes together, and I have lost the fear

Your heart is the key
The powers that be
Are handed to me

There is no suit of armor to protect you from the dark
Just let your guard down, and the sword will hit the mark
The words get twisted, you hear the lies
Just take a look around you, and pray they realize

Your heart is the key
The powers that be
My sanctuary

It's not what you wear, it's what's in your mind
It's not worth the emptiness inside
I have left all blackness behind
No more questions about black and white


A gift of free will, the choice is all up to you
Just let your faith rule, and you will know what to do
The cults grow stronger, I'll stay away
I'm looking at tomorrow, now I know the way

Your heart is the key
The powers that be
Are handed to me

The powers that be
My sanctuary
The powers that be



All comments from YouTube:

Brian Reddish

The entire "Blessing In Disguise" album is such an underrated album! I really love that album so much. Every song on it kicks MAJOR ass!

Rodd Cayton

Agreed, sir!

TailgunnerATC

Best song on the album and whole thing was great.

Hugo Caballero

Even when Fake Healer and Badlands are more liked, this is my favorite, the guitars, the drums, bass, and Mike Howe's voice are great.

Ultimate Predator

Great Band , Great Song , Great Album , Great , Great, Great....

Metal Schlicht

A Classic Glorious Anthem of Heavy Metal

Sebastian Boss

I can't believe that only 2944 people have seen this. This is one great song.

Rodd Cayton

That it is, sir.

A Chaps

this is right up there with Metallica's "Blackened" and "One", or Iron Maiden's "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and "Aces High".. powerful imagery and concepts... The Powers That Be-EEEEE!

juan99997

Grandes!!

More Comments