The song “Mary On A Cross” by the rock band Ghost is a complex and multi-layered piece of music that explores themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption through the lens of religious iconography. The lyrics describe a tumultuous relationship between two people who are chasing after fame and success, but ultimately find themselves disillusioned and disappointed with the emptiness of their achievements. Despite the hardships they face, however, they remain committed to each other and are willing to make sacrifices in order to keep their love alive.
The song begins with the lines “We were speeding together / Down the dark avenues / But besides all the stardom / All we got was blues.” These words paint a vivid picture of two people on a journey, chasing after their dreams but struggling to find happiness and fulfillment. Despite their success and the trappings of fame, they are plagued by a sense of emptiness and sadness.
As the song progresses, the lyrics describe the ups and downs of the couple’s relationship. They face challenges and setbacks, but they remain committed to each other through thick and thin. The lines “But through all the sorrow / We were riding high / And the truth of the matter is / I never let you go, let you go” speak to the strength of their bond and the depth of their love.
The chorus of the song is where the religious imagery comes into play. The lyrics compare the female partner to Holy Mary, the mother of Jesus, who is traditionally depicted on a cross. The lines “You go down just like Holy Mary / Mary on a, Mary on a cross / Not just another Bloody Mary / Mary on a, Mary on a cross” suggest that the female partner is suffering and sacrificing for the sake of their love, just as Mary suffered and sacrificed for the sake of her son. The reference to “Bloody Mary” may also be a play on words, referencing the popular cocktail as a symbol of excess and indulgence, contrasting with the theme of sacrifice and redemption.
The lyrics also suggest that the male partner is willing to make sacrifices for the sake of their love. The line “If you choose to run away with me / I will tickle you internally” suggests that he is willing to take risks and face challenges in order to keep their love alive. The repetition of the line “And I see nothing wrong with that” reinforces his commitment to their relationship, even in the face of adversity.
Ultimately, “Mary On A Cross” is a powerful and evocative song that explores the complexities of love and sacrifice through the lens of religious iconography. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of two people who are struggling to find happiness and fulfillment in a world that values success and fame above all else. Despite the challenges they face, however, they remain committed to each other and are willing to make sacrifices in order to keep their love alive. Through its powerful imagery and haunting melody, “Mary On A Cross” is a song that will linger in the listener’s mind long after it has ended.
About the band
Ghost is a Swedish rock band that was formed in 2006. The band’s music is characterized by its blend of classic heavy metal and hard rock, with a strong emphasis on melody and theatrics. The band members perform in elaborate costumes and makeup, and the lead vocalist is known for his distinctive stage persona, which he portrays as a Satanic anti-pope.
The band’s debut album, “Opus Eponymous,” was released in 2010 to critical acclaim. The album’s mix of catchy hooks, driving riffs, and dark lyrics helped establish Ghost as one of the most exciting new bands in the heavy metal genre. The band followed up with a string of successful albums, including “Infestissumam” (2013), “Meliora” (2015), and “Prequelle” (2018), all of which were met with critical and commercial success.
Despite the band’s success, the members of Ghost remain shrouded in mystery, with their real identities kept secret behind their costumes and personas. This air of secrecy and mystique has helped to fuel the band’s popularity and intrigue among fans, and has made them one of the most distinctive and interesting acts in contemporary rock music.
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