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Sanctuary
Young Magic Lyrics
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"Sergeant, what about the hunchback?"
"Leave him be. The girl will be his punishment."
Sanctuary
Not for gypsies
Sanctuary
Take back our streets
Save our homeland
Sanctuary
Call the hangman
Vengeance justice
God be with us
Vengeance justice
To the church steps now
The first verse of "Sanctuary" by Young Magic portrays a story of a last meeting between two individuals, a little gypsy, and someone referred to as Sergeant, who is in charge of some sort of punishment. The exchange between the two includes a reference to a hunchback who will be punished by being given the responsibility of taking care of the little gypsy girl. The chorus then shifts to a call for sanctuary, but not for gypsies, rather to take back the streets and homeland from an unclear external force that requires calling a hangman. The final verse mentions vengeance and justice and calls for actions to be taken to the church steps.
It is difficult to pinpoint a clear meaning or intention behind these lyrics as the context and plot are quite abstract. However, the use of the terms "sanctuary" and "gypsy" could be interpreted as a commentary on social and political issues. The lyrics could be interpreted to highlight the importance of protecting the vulnerable and the marginalized in society, while also recognizing the need for justice and accountability. It's possible that the song reflects on the struggles of a community that is being forced to fight against an oppressive political regime.
Line by Line Meaning
Little gypsy, we meet again, for the last time.
Addressing a young girl, who might be a gypsy, the singer seems to be meeting her for the last time in a dramatic way.
Sergeant, what about the hunchback?
Someone in the scene asks a sergeant about a hunchback, implying that this hunchback has some relevance to the situation.
Leave him be. The girl will be his punishment.
The sergeant decides to leave the hunchback alone and let the girl be his punishment for some unknown wrong done by either of them.
Sanctuary
A plea for a place of safety and protection from danger or trouble.
Not for gypsies
The cry for sanctuary is not meant for gypsies, implying they are not welcome in this safe space.
Take back our streets
A call to action to regain control of the streets, possibly from a perceived threat or danger to the public.
Save our homeland
A request to protect and preserve one's homeland from an outside source that might cause harm or danger.
Call the hangman
A call for execution, possibly as punishment for a crime committed or as a warning to others.
Vengeance justice
An assertion that justice will be served for some wrongdoing, likely involving a desire for revenge.
God be with us
An appeal for divine protection or support during a time of conflict or danger.
To the church steps now
A call to head to the church steps, either to seek refuge or to organize a plan of action.
Writer(s): Isaac Gerasimou, Laura Melati Malay, Michael Italia
Contributed by Kaylee A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.