Sacrilege
Tristania Lyrics

The song Sacrilege by Tristania is a commentary on religion and the influence it holds over people, often to the point of extreme dogmatism and violence. The opening lines of the song speak of the inevitable judgment of souls after death, and how only Jesus can absolve them of their sins. This is followed by the repeated refrain of "Stay down on your knees," a plea to followers to remain subservient to their religious hierarchy, and not question their authority.

The second stanza speaks to the dangers of blind faith and religious extremism, with the reference to "millions crusading against mocking heresy" and "our clerics will kill to make us stay down on our knees." The use of razor blades to teach divine misdeeds suggests the violent and destructive nature of this kind of zealotry, which can easily turn to persecution and oppression. The last part of the stanza seems to echo the idea that only through enduring immense pain and suffering can one earn salvation, a common theme in many religious traditions.

The final stanza speaks to the aftermath of war, and how people are eager to move past it and heal, yet the danger of religious dogma still persists. The reference to "tongues tuned with razorblades still teach divine misdeeds" suggests that even in times of peace, there are those who will continue to promote extreme and harmful ideas. The message of the song seems to be a warning against blind faith and the dangers of religious fundamentalism.