This song is about counter-reformation; an aggressive fight back against the disruption caused by Martin Luther in sixteenth century Europe. Ignatius of Loyola, a Spanish Basque Catholic priest and theologian founded the religious order called Society of Jesus, better known as Jesuits. Their missionary work helped spread Catholicism around the world. In 1609 he was beautified. Ignatius Day is celebrated on July 31. I call upon St Peter to take a flower, which Jesus said “does not worry about what they wear”, and pierce the heart of a pig. I use the word ‘dead’ to mean both actual death, as well as the absence of reason which leads to further ignorance. The final verse is a blend of the two perceptions of faith in Christ. One cries out to the Lamb of God. The other admits to sins (black wind) and taking account of them (the lungs). This is what most of us fear. People work hard to get past their shame, so the idea of a devil needs to be conceived. Not only does this put to rest the notion of sin removal but also one’s ability to be spiritually mobile. You stiffen up. You begin to blame. You join the ranks of the dead.
lyrics
Because we’re dead dead dead dead dead.
Burning at the crossroads.
Calling the dead, waking the dead.
Burning at the crossroads.
Searching for dead, where are the dead?
Ignatius Day, Ignatius Day.
Land of joy, Ignatius Day.
Take a wild rose St. Peter and stick it in the heart of a young sow.
Let the blood flow out.
It’s lifelessness, It’s lifelessness.
Fine sport this chase of brute creation.
Prepare its body for cremation. Why? Because it’s dead.
Burning at the crossroads.
You’re chasing the dead. You’re racing the dead.
Burning at the crossroads.
You’re wandering dead. You awaken the dead.
Born again, born again.
Like a cracked bell you’re born again.
One word settles the flame.
One sword levels the earth.
One look restores the sight.
It’s a great adventure, great adventure.
Betray the face of a bright angel.
No one is laughing at your sorrow.
Why? I’ll tell you why. Because you’re dead.
Burning at the crossroads.
Reclaiming the dead. Reviving the dead.
Burning at the crossroads.
You’re searching for dead.
But where are the dead?
Lamb of God, lamb of God.
Have mercy on this lamb of God.
Breathing black wind into my lungs.
I’ve become the fear and reject the lie
There is something in the darkness.
It’s a demon’s anger, demon’s anger.
Observing all my rigid moves.
Casting stones chipped off of tombs.
Why? Why? Why? Why? Because it’s dead.
Burning at the crossroads. Here are the dead, I am the dead.
Burning at the crossroads. You’re searching for dead
And awaken the dead. We are the dead.
credits
from Crawling Up Through The Earth,
released April 14, 2021
Dave Tate: guitar, vocals.
Ion Newport: bass, vocals.
Barry Andrews: drums.
John Christian: synth, vocals.
Andrew St.George: engineer, production.
Mike Dent: engineer, production.
A truly original blend of haunting electronics and gothic drama mirroring the complex and unknowable nature of human emotions. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 30, 2023
