Discography
Soundtrack to the Film “Breakfast on the Beach of Deception”, Pitch-A-Tent Records, 1987, reissue IRS Records, 1992.
The Cosmodemonic Telegraph Company, Pitch-A-Tent Records 1989, reissue IRS Records, 1992.
Meridian, Baited Breath, 1991.
The Insect God, C/Z Records, 1992.
Forgery, IRS Records, 1992.
What's Left For Kicks? magnetic, 2006
also, the band has participated in numerous compilations.
Cherry Blossom Baptism
Monks of Doom Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I was swimming in a mirage
I was wondering just where this road would take us
It's the same one that we have been on
From the city of bosra to Jerusalem
From the west into the east
Only one more sacrifice
The man behind the man behind the curtain is working
Pulling levers by his crystal ball
He's plowing the fields for chrysanthemums
Waiting for the sun to fall
He threw a bone to the starving faithful
They got down on their knees
The man behind the man behind the curtain is talking
But he never betrays what he thinks
Silver reflection
Cherry blossom baptism
Silver reflection
Cherry blossom baptism
Now that the rose
Is gone from the garden
What will we do
With the thorn?
Silver reflection
Cherry blossom baptism
If i went down
To the river of Jordan
Just to bathe my wearisome soul
If i could just touch the hem of his garment
Well then i know he'd take me home
To see the water in the river boil
To see the city consumed by fire
To see the man's cast shadow scorched into the earth
And flies buzzing in the air like a funeral choir
Silver reflection
Cherry blossom baptism
Silver reflection
Cherry blossom baptism
Now that the rose
Is gone from the garden
What will we do
With the thorn grown on the grove?
Silver reflection
Cherry blossom baptism
The song "Cherry Blossom Baptism" by Monks of Doom is a complex and thought-provoking piece of music with a slightly melancholic tone. The lyrics are crafted with intricate imagery, blending eastern and western cultural references, religious allegories, and nature metaphors.
The opening lines describe the singer swimming in the cool waters of an oasis, creating an ironic contrast between the idea of a life-sustaining oasis and a mirage, which is a hallucination of something unattainable. The next lines suggest that the road the singer is on is a familiar one, leading from the ancient city of Bosra to Jerusalem, from west to east. The line about the sacrifice implies that peace can be achieved through pain and suffering, with the ultimate goal being redemption.
The middle section of the song introduces the mysterious figure of the 'man behind the man behind the curtain', who seems to be manipulating events from backstage. The reference to chrysanthemums brings to mind the idea of death, as they are often used in funeral wreaths in some cultures. This idea is reinforced by the line about the starving faithful getting down on their knees, suggesting that they are desperate and powerless. The final section of the song returns to the theme of baptism, exploring the ideas of sin, redemption, and rebirth.
Overall, the lyrics of "Cherry Blossom Baptism" are open to multiple interpretations and require careful listening to unpack fully. It is a song that rewards repeated listens, with new meanings and nuances emerging each time.
Line by Line Meaning
I was swimming in the cool waters of an oasis
I was enjoying a refreshing swim in a place that appeared to be paradise, but was really only an illusion.
I was wondering just where this road would take us
I was curious about the direction our journey would go, despite it leading down the same path we have already traveled.
From the city of bosra to Jerusalem
We traveled from one city to another, crossing from the west to the east.
Only one more sacrifice
We anticipated making one more offering as we hoped for peace.
Then we'll finally get us all some peace
At that point, we hoped to find the peace we were searching for.
The man behind the man behind the curtain is working
Behind the leader, someone else was really the one pulling the strings.
He's plowing the fields for chrysanthemums
He was creating an environment that appeared to be cultivating something beautiful, but the end result may be something quite different.
Waiting for the sun to fall
He was anticipating the darkness that would follow the light, and perhaps even welcoming it.
He threw a bone to the starving faithful
He offered a small reward to those who were desperate and devoted to him.
They got down on their knees
The desperate followers prostrated themselves before their leader.
But he never betrays what he thinks
The true intentions and motivations of the leader are always hidden and never revealed to his followers.
Now that the rose Is gone from the garden
The beauty and happiness that once existed has given way to a harsher reality.
What will we do With the thorn?
We are left to cope with the difficulties of life that have replaced the joy we once had.
If i went down To the river of Jordan Just to bathe my wearisome soul
I contemplated seeking spiritual rejuvenation by immersing myself in holy water.
If i could just touch the hem of his garment
I believed that a simple gesture would be enough to make a connection with a higher power.
Well then i know he'd take me home
I put my faith in a higher power to guide me and provide me with a sense of belonging.
To see the water in the river boil
I imagined witnessing a powerful force and significant event.
To see the city consumed by fire
I was picturing the destruction and chaos that can come with transformation.
To see the man's cast shadow scorched into the earth
I envisioned a sense of permanence as even the shadows created by humans can be burned into the ground.
And flies buzzing in the air like a funeral choir
The sound of buzzing insects provided a haunting soundtrack to accompany the devastation and death.
Silver reflection Cherry blossom baptism
These two phrases serve as a repeating refrain that represent the beauty of temporary and fragile things.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHRIS C. PEDERSON, DAVID A. IMMERGLUCK, GREG A. LISHER, VICTOR H. KRUMMENACHER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind