Christian Brothers
Queens of the Stone Age Lyrics
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Christian brothers gonna take him down
But it can't help me get over
Don't be cross
It's sick that want
I've seen the boss blink on and off
What's the matter man
And you think I ought to shake your motherfucking hand
Well I know how much you care
Don't be cross
It's sick that want
I've seen the boss blink on and off
Come here by me I want you here
Nightmares become me, it's so fucking clear
Nightmares become me, it's so fucking clear
The lyrics of Queens of the Stone Age's song "Christian Brothers" speak to the idea of struggles with addiction, specifically to alcoholism. "No bad dream fucker gonna boss me around" can be interpreted as a declaration of independence from addiction, with the "bad dream fucker" being the influence of substances. The following line, "Christian brothers gonna take him down," could be interpreted as a reference to the Christian Brothers brand of liquor, and an acknowledgement of the negative impact alcohol can have on a person's life. Despite the desire to overcome addiction, the line "But it can't help me get over" highlights the difficulty of doing so.
The lines "Don't be cross, it's sick that want, I've seen the boss blink on and off" can be interpreted in a few ways - it could be the singer trying to convince someone else (the boss) not to be angry with them, acknowledging their own sick desire for alcohol, or a reference to the symptoms of withdrawal. The lines "Fate concerns us, what's the matter man, and you think I ought to shake your motherfucking hand, well I know how much you care" could be interpreted as the singer acknowledging the role of fate or destiny in their struggle with addiction, as well as calling someone out for not truly caring about them.
The repeated line "Nightmares become me, it's so fucking clear" could be interpreted in a few ways - it could refer to literal nightmares that someone struggling with addiction might have, or it could be a metaphor for the way that addiction can take hold and become an inescapable part of a person's life.
Overall, "Christian Brothers" is a powerful and haunting expression of the struggles faced by those with addiction, with lyrics that are open to interpretation but still convey a sense of pain and desperation.
Line by Line Meaning
No bad dream fucker gonna boss me around
I refuse to be controlled by nightmares or bad thoughts.
Christian brothers gonna take him down
I find strength and hope in my faith and the support of my Christian brothers.
But it can't help me get over
Although my faith gives me strength, it cannot make my problems disappear.
Don't be cross
It's sick that want
I've seen the boss blink on and off
Don't be angry with me, it's wrong to feel this way. I know that even the people in charge have moments of doubt and weakness.
Fate concerns us
What's the matter man
And you think I ought to shake your motherfucking hand
Well I know how much you care
We are all subject to the whims of fate. What's wrong? You really think that a simple handshake can make up for everything? I can see that you don't really care about me.
Come here by me I want you here
I need someone close to me to comfort me.
Nightmares become me, it's so fucking clear
I am consumed by my fears and doubts, and it's painfully obvious to me.
Contributed by Riley I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@offfirefly5785
No bad dream fucker's going to boss me around
Christian Brothers gonna take him down
But it can't help me get over
Don't be cross, it's sick I want
I've seen the boss blink on and off
Fake concerns is what's the matter, man
And you think I ought to shake
Your motherfucking hand
Well, I know how much you care
Don't be cross, it's sick I want
I've seen the boss blink on and off
Come here by me, I want you here
Nightmares become me, it's so fucking clear
Don't be cross, it's sick I want
I've seen the boss blink on and off
Come here by me, I want you here
Nightmares become me, it's so fucking clear
Nightmares become me, it's so fucking clear
@OLDSACKS
Elliott's version sounds like a tragic relapse after a genuine effort.
QOTSA's version sounds like the friend on a road trip to scatter the ashes.
@Dani92670
That's an amazing take on both versions - gave me goosebumps, like you nailed it.
@grimmvalentine6558
Well said
@broadcastdeez
this comment sounds like a retard saying retarded things but they're too retarded to not say retarded words.
@dEAthlikEstAtic
i don't remember if i've heard elliot's version but i agree.
@TheBlindmarvin
Don’t forget the earlier Heatmiser version, which has the youthful optimism of “I’ll get thru this somehow, someday. This is just a tragic bump in the road…”
@grimmvalentine6558
The way he sings “this sick I want,” the first time, let’s you know this dude fucking gets it
@soupyschitz
Unfortunately for him
@NoahTheJerySpringer
Isn't it something how certain songs can have so much meaning? Even if it's not the same meaning as the artist intended. I first came across this song while one of my life long friends was battling cancer. He lost the fight shortly after. Since then I've never been able to listen to this song without tears. But I keep coming back to it.
I'll never forget you bud. If there is an after life, I can't wait to meet you there.
@stevenrivera3977
That's fucked man