The Chosen Ones
The Black Sorrows Lyrics
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On the death night anniversary of the king
The pretenders talking dirty in the palace
But it doesn't have that old familiar ring
And I see there's been some changes in the valley
All the renegades have finally settled down
And now they worship in the temples of their rivals
Can't you hear all those sweet voices singing
Takin' care of the chosen ones
Can't you hear all those mission bells ringin'
Say a prayer for the chosen ones
Well I read they're pourin' oil on troubled water
While they cast a giant shadow on the land
Hey let's spend another night across the border
They buried all our secrets in the sand
Now they claim there is no message in the Bible
And they swear there is no master and his slave
But the future's lookin' grim for the lonesome cowboys
When the hand that rocks that cradle digs a grave
Can't you hear all those sweet voices singing
Takin' care of the chosen ones
Can't you hear all those mission bells ringin'
Say a prayer for the chosen ones
Well I heard how all the lights went out in Memphis
On the death night anniversary of the king
The pretenders talking dirty in the palace
But it doesn't have that old familiar ring
Can't you hear all those sweet voices singing
Takin' care of the chosen ones
Can't you hear all those mission bells ringin'
Say a prayer for the chosen ones
Can't you hear all those sweet voices singing (all those sweet voices singing)
Takin' care of the chosen ones (taking care of the chosen ones)
Can't you hear all those mission bells ringin'
Say a prayer for the chosen ones
The chosen ones
The chosen ones
"The Chosen Ones" by The Black Sorrows appears to be a song about societal and political corruption. The first verse seems to reference Elvis Presley, who is known as the King of Rock and Roll and died on August 16, 1977. The singer hears of the lights going out in Memphis on the anniversary of Elvis's death, which could symbolize the end of an era. The pretenders, possibly referring to those who claim to be the new kings of rock and roll or politicians, talk dirty in the palace, but it doesn't have the same ring as the old times, suggesting an absence of authenticity.
The second verse appears to be about the changes in society, particularly in the valley, which could symbolize the place where the singer is from. The renegades have settled down, and they now worship in the temples of their rivals, desecrating the holy heart of the town. This could indicate a loss of identity and values in the society. The chorus then comes in, asking the listeners to hear the sweet voices singing, taking care of the chosen ones and the mission bells ringing, saying a prayer for the chosen ones. This could be a call to unite and pray for those who are still trying to uphold good in the society and resist corruption.
The third verse could refer to the powerful and corrupt people who are trying to maintain their hold on society. They pour oil on troubled water, trying to smooth over conflicts and maintain their control. They bury secrets in the sand and claim there is no message in the Bible, denying any higher power that could hold them accountable. The future is looking grim for the lonesome cowboys when the hand that rocks the cradle digs a grave, suggesting that the corrupt people in power are destroying the future of society.
Overall, "The Chosen Ones" appears to be a commentary on the state of society and the need for people to unite and resist corruption. The song seems to urge the listener to hear the sweet voices singing and the mission bells ringing, symbolizing the hope and prayers of those who still believe in a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I heard how all the lights went out in Memphis
I learned about how the lights went out in Memphis on the anniversary of the death of the king.
On the death night anniversary of the king
On the anniversary of the death of the king.
The pretenders talking dirty in the palace
People pretending to be something they're not and speaking obscenely in the palace.
But it doesn't have that old familiar ring
But it doesn't feel or sound like it used to.
And I see there's been some changes in the valley
I notice that there have been some significant changes in the valley.
All the renegades have finally settled down
All the rebels have finally stopped causing trouble.
And now they worship in the temples of their rivals
And now they go to the places of worship of their enemies.
And desecrate the holy heart of town
And they disrespect and violate the sacred center of the city.
Can't you hear all those sweet voices singing
Don't you hear the beautiful voices singing?
Takin' care of the chosen ones
Taking care of those who have been selected and favored.
Can't you hear all those mission bells ringin'
Don't you hear the sound of the bells from the church missions ringing?
Say a prayer for the chosen ones
Pray for those who have been selected and favored.
Well I read they're pourin' oil on troubled water
I read that they are trying to calm down a difficult situation.
While they cast a giant shadow on the land
But at the same time, they are exerting a significant influence on the land.
Hey let's spend another night across the border
Let's go spend another night in the neighboring country.
They buried all our secrets in the sand
They have kept our secrets hidden from others.
Now they claim there is no message in the Bible
Now they say that there is no lesson or importance in the Bible.
And they swear there is no master and his slave
And they promise that there is no one who has complete control over another.
But the future's lookin' grim for the lonesome cowboys
But things don't look good for those cowboys who are on their own.
When the hand that rocks that cradle digs a grave
When the person who is in control harms others.
Can't you hear all those sweet voices singing (all those sweet voices singing)
Don't you hear the beautiful voices singing? (repeated)
Taking care of the chosen ones (taking care of the chosen ones)
Taking care of those who have been selected and favored. (repeated)
Can't you hear all those mission bells ringin'
Don't you hear the sound of the bells from the church missions ringing?
Say a prayer for the chosen ones
Pray for those who have been selected and favored.
The chosen ones
Those who have been selected and favored.
The chosen ones
Those who have been selected and favored.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Joseph Vincent Camilleri, Nicholas Anthony Smith
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind