Better Angels
The Black League Lyrics


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So they came into being
Under a dying sun
Better angels of our nature
A job well done?
Don't under the surface
Lying dead but dreaming
Better angels of our natures
'twas a dream worth dreaming...

When all our wisdom has faded
All is said and done
Our good intentions are jaded, jaded
And all hope is done
For the better angels

So the seagulls landed
On a dying shore
And all our hopes were stranded
Growing faint to the core
Yet the city's breathing
Forever dead but dreaming
Better angels of our nature
'twas a dream worth dreaming...





Let us pray for our better angels...

Overall Meaning

The Black League's song "Better Angels" hints at the idea of better angels of our nature emerging in the face of destruction and chaos. The opening lyrics refer to the birth of these better angels under a dying sun, possibly suggesting that it takes an apocalyptic or cataclysmic event for humanity to reveal its better angels. However, there is a sense of uncertainty and doubt, as the question is raised whether the better angels have truly done a good job. The lyrics urge the listener to look beneath the surface, as these better angels may be lying dead but dreaming.


The second verse seems to suggest that even in the face of hopelessness and despair, these better angels are still worth dreaming about. The seagulls landing on a dying shore and hopes being stranded is a metaphor for humanity's struggle to survive under adverse conditions. The city's breathing, forever dead but dreaming, is another example of hope coexisting with death and decay. The song ends with a prayer for these better angels.


In summary, "Better Angels" is a song that explores the theme of hope in the face of destruction, and the idea that humanity's better nature may emerge during times of crisis. The lyrics are poetic and open to interpretation, but the overall message is one of optimism and faith in the human spirit.


Line by Line Meaning

So they came into being
The Black League has come into existence, making music.


Under a dying sun
During a time of crisis, hardship, and despair.


Better angels of our nature
The positive aspects or best qualities of human nature.


A job well done?
Is this a task achieved to the best of our ability?


Don't under the surface
Do not underestimate what is beneath the exterior.


Lying dead but dreaming
Appearing as if there is no life beneath the surface but still holding onto a dream of a better future.


Better angels of our natures
The positive aspects or best qualities of human nature.


'twas a dream worth dreaming...
Despite the appearance of hopelessness, it is still worth dreaming of a better future.


When all our wisdom has faded
At a time when all our knowledge and understanding disappears.


All is said and done
When everything is finished, settled or resolved.


Our good intentions are jaded, jaded
Our pure and genuine motives have become tarnished and discolored over time.


And all hope is done
There's no hope for a better future or for things to change.


So the seagulls landed
During a time of chaos or destruction.


On a dying shore
In a place where hope and new life seem impossible.


And all our hopes were stranded
All of our aspirations seem to be unreachable or unattainable.


Growing faint to the core
Slowly losing hope at the deepest level.


Yet the city's breathing
Despite the hopelessness and despairing nature, the city and its inhabitants continue to exist and survive.


Forever dead but dreaming
A continued existence in a state of hopelessness but still holding onto a dream of a better future.


Better angels of our nature
The positive aspects or best qualities of human nature.


'twas a dream worth dreaming...
Despite the appearance of hopelessness, it is still worth dreaming of a better future.


Let us pray for our better angels...
A call for hope and guidance from the positive aspects of human nature.




Contributed by Ryan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Whisker89

Greatest song ever. Thanks for the upload!

Dario Santangelo

the solo is fucking Epic! Taneli is a great composer.

G. A

Greetings from México!!🍻

Härski H

Vittu tämä se on hyvä

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