Fallen Angel
Sister Seven Lyrics
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A blessed virgin child
You can behave and ignore that you notice
Questions all the while
But don't ask for truth and conscience
Don't ask why Eve was an angel
Heaven's the big time, baby
Be sweet and sane and you're pardoned
Eve was born for the man
Don't forget your place
You can be veiled in a foreign country
Never show your skin
You can be traded with all your dowry
Suffering for sin
But don't ask for truth and conscience
Don't ask why Eve was an angel
Heaven's the big time, baby
So don't ask for more than you bargained
Be sweet and sane and you're pardoned
Eve was born for the man
Don't forget your place
Fallen angel....
The lyrics of Sister Seven's Fallen Angel are a commentary on the oppression and subjugation of women that exists in many societies and cultures around the world. The first stanza speaks to the idea that women can find salvation and acceptance by conforming to societal expectations - by being baptized or behaving in a certain way - but when they start to question the reasons behind these expectations, they are often met with resistance or punishment. The lines "But don't ask for truth and conscience/Don't ask why Eve was an angel" suggest that women are taught to accept the status quo without questioning it, even when it is founded on outdated or oppressive ideas.
The second stanza continues this theme, with the singer highlighting the ways in which women are often treated as commodities or property in some societies. The lines "You can be veiled in a foreign country/Never show your skin/You can be traded with all your dowry/Suffering for sin" describe the harsh realities faced by many women who are forced into arranged marriages or other situations where their agency and autonomy are limited. Once again, the singer warns against questioning the forces that contribute to this oppression, suggesting that by doing so, women risk being ostracized or punished.
The chorus, with its repeated refrain of "fallen angel," seems to acknowledge the pain and frustration that can come with being a woman in a world that often values women only insofar as they conform to certain strictures or expectations. For the singer, however, the answer is not to rebel against these strictures, but rather to accept them and strive for a kind of conditional acceptance within society.
Line by Line Meaning
You can be saved in baptismal waters
It is suggested that one can find salvation by undergoing baptism, a religious sacrament involving water.
A blessed virgin child
The phrase 'blessed virgin child' refers to Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, who is believed to have given birth to him while remaining a virgin.
You can behave and ignore that you notice
One can conform to societal norms and ignore the questions that arise in their mind.
Questions all the while
Despite conforming to societal norms, one is still plagued with doubts and questions.
But don't ask for truth and conscience
It is implied that questioning the status quo is not encouraged and one should not seek their own truth and conscience.
Don't ask why Eve was an angel
Asking questions about religious beliefs and ideologies, especially those involving women, is discouraged and seen as rebellious.
Heaven's the big time, baby
The idea of heaven is presented as a luxurious reward for those who conform to societal norms and religious beliefs.
So don't ask for more than you bargained
One is advised not to aim for something more than what they already have, implying that ambition can lead to downfall.
Be sweet and sane and you're pardoned
The virtues of sweetness and sanity are upheld, suggesting that deviation from these traits can lead to judgment and condemnation.
Eve was born for the man
The biblical story of Eve being created from Adam's rib is referred to, perpetuating the idea of women being subservient to men.
Don't forget your place
The overall message is that one should stay in their designated place in society, and not disrupt the established hierarchy.
You can be veiled in a foreign country
The idea of a woman being forced to cover her body and wear a veil in a foreign land is presented, highlighting cultural differences and oppression of women in certain societies.
Never show your skin
Women are expected to dress modestly and cover their bodies, in accordance with societal and religious norms.
You can be traded with all your dowry
Arranged marriages and the practice of dowry are referenced, where women are often treated as commodities and traded for economic gain.
Suffering for sin
Women are often blamed and punished for the sins and wrongdoings of men, perpetuating the patriarchal system.
Fallen angel....
The phrase 'fallen angel' is repeated throughout the song, implying that women who do not conform to societal and religious norms are seen as deviant and sinful.
Contributed by Liliana F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
DJdext
Such a great tune. Love to listen to this loud! She still plays around Austin and Houston. This was a great live band too. Miss them.