Far Physician's Son
Sufjan Stevens Lyrics


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Far physician's son
Holds Isaiah's song
Went to Galilee
With the scroll again

Is this Joseph's son?
Who proclaims a hand
Far anointed one
He will arise, he will arise

Heal the poor and stung
Steal the hurt and hung
He will arise, he will arise
He will arise, he will arise




He will arise, he will arise
He will arise, he will arise

Overall Meaning

The song "Far Physician's Son" by Sufjan Stevens, based on the lyrics, seems to be referring to Jesus as the far physician's son. The opening line, "Far physician's son, holds Isaiah's song" suggests that Jesus is the son of a physician who has traveled a great distance and has knowledge of Isaiah's prophetic writings. The following line, "Went to Galilee with the scroll again," reinforces the idea that the son has returned to his homeland, carrying the message of the scripture.


The next set of lyrics, "Is this Joseph's son, who proclaims a hand, far anointed one," imply that there are some questioning the identity of the son. The questions posed in these lines may refer to the confusion among the people regarding Jesus' true identity. The subsequent lines, "Heal the poor and stung, steal the hurt and hung, he will arise," further reinforce the idea that this is the story of Jesus Christ.


The lyrics seem to suggest that Jesus is the anointed one, destined to heal the sick and comfort the downtrodden. The repetition of the phrase "he will arise" at the end of the song reinforces the idea of Jesus' resurrection and his ascendence to heaven. Overall, "Far Physician's Son" is a powerful and cryptic song about Jesus Christ and his message of hope.


Line by Line Meaning

Far physician's son
The son of a doctor who lived far away


Holds Isaiah's song
Memorized the song of Isaiah, a prophet in the Bible


Went to Galilee
Traveled to the region of Galilee in Israel


With the scroll again
Brought a scroll with him, possibly containing the teachings of Isaiah


Is this Joseph's son?
People are questioning if he is the son of Joseph, a famous man


Who proclaims a hand
Someone who announces a message


Far anointed one
Referring to a person who is blessed by God


He will arise, he will arise
This person will come back to life, possibly referring to Jesus


Heal the poor and stung
This person will help those who are sick and suffering


Steal the hurt and hung
This person will alleviate the pain of those who are being punished or oppressed


He will arise, he will arise
This person will come back to life, possibly referring to Jesus


He will arise, he will arise
This person will come back to life, possibly referring to Jesus


He will arise, he will arise
This person will come back to life, possibly referring to Jesus


He will arise, he will arise
This person will come back to life, possibly referring to Jesus




Contributed by Kaitlyn T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@millerraybon4997

Thank you so much! The only recording I could find of the song was taken down. You have gifted one of my favorite Sufjan songs back to me!

@unofficialsufjanstevens7829

These will remain up as long as Sufjan allows.

@phibby

Iā€™m so glad you uploaded this. I have the cd but was too nervous about taking it into my own hands to share online

@unofficialsufjanstevens7829

No worries!

@spray7679

Listening to this makes me gradually loose the restraints of self-centeredness

@aidajuma8852

right i always find myself listening to this song šŸ„°

@aidajuma8852

for reference read Isaiah 4;16-22

@grobble7321

This makes me think of my friend who moved away

@unofficialsufjanstevens7829

Reach out to them and let them know!

@grobble7321

Nah I'm good bro@@unofficialsufjanstevens7829

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