Jerusalem New York Berlin
Vampire Weekend Lyrics

The lyrics of Vampire Weekend's "Jerusalem New York Berlin" are complex and layered, filled with references to history, politics, and personal relationships. The song opens with the singer acknowledging that he still has feelings for someone he once loved, but that their shared vision of a better future has been corrupted and turned against them. The "prophecy" mentioned in the lyrics seems to refer to their shared dream of a better world, which has been taken over by nefarious forces and turned into something dangerous.

The chorus of the song references three cities - Jerusalem, New York, and Berlin - as symbols of this corrupted world. These cities have all played important roles in global politics and history, and they are often associated with conflict, power, and ambition. The lyrics suggest that the singer feels overwhelmed and defeated by the forces that control these places, but that he still wants to keep fighting for a better future.

The second verse of the song shifts in tone, reflecting on the passage of time and the impact of history on the present. The reference to "1917" likely alludes to the Balfour Declaration, a British statement that supported the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. This declaration has had far-reaching consequences and has been at the heart of much of the conflict in the region. The reference to "young marriages" melting and dying could be seen as a metaphor for the breakdown of relationships and social structures in the face of larger historical forces.

Overall, "Jerusalem New York Berlin" is a dense and powerful song that addresses big themes and complicated emotions. The chorus in particular is unforgettable, with its repeated references to these three iconic cities and its plea to "win" against the forces of evil.