Lyric Wednesday - Depeche Mode: John The Revelator
by 
Ambient Decay on November 28th, 2007
John the Revelator
Put him in an elevator
Take him up to the highest high
Take him up to the top where the mountains stop
Let him tell his book of lies
John the Revelator
He’s a smooth operator
It’s time we cut him down to size
Take him by the hand
And put him on the stand
Let us hear his alibis
By claiming God - As his holy right
He’s stealing a God from the Israelites
Stealing a God from a Muslim, too
There is only one God through and through
Seven lies, multiplied by seven, multiplied by seven again
Seven angels with seven trumpets
Send them home on the morning train
Well who’s that shouting?
John the Revelator!
All he ever gives us is pain
Well who’s that shouting?
John the Revelator!
He should bow his head in shame
By and by
By and by
By and by
By and by
Seven lies, multiplied by seven, multiplied by seven again
Seven angels with seven trumpets
Send them home on the morning train
Well who’s that shouting?
John the Revelator!
All he ever gives us is pain
Well who’s that shouting?
John the Revelator!
He should bow his head in shame
By and by
By and by
John the Revelator
By and by
John the Revelator
By and by
John the Revelator
“John the Revelator” – Depeche Mode is one of my favorite songs off of Playing The Angel album. Not only do I enjoy this song because of the sound of the singers’ voice and catchy melody, but because of how the message can be interpreted.
There have been arguments and discussions about the songs meaning. Some say it can be related to Bush and his “warmongering” whereas others say that its meaning is hurtful toward the Christian community. If you look at it, they both are right as well as both are wrong.
For one, they are both right because both interpretations can be related to the present political and religious events. After all, this “war” is in the
Now, for how these are both flawed is a simple matter of what is it.. ah yes.. Common sense. It’s a song for one, and it’s industrial. SO right off the bat, 9 out of 10 times it’s going to have a slight political meaning. Just like punk does. Now for where it is flawed in being stated that this song is SOLELY political, any observant fool can hear (and see) that Bushes name is not stated nor referred.
John is.
John is apart of the Christian community. So therefore, I say again, both are correct, and both are flawed. In all reality of it all, who really should give a damn? Its music shut up and enjoy. If you can’t, then go listen to Britney Spears.
As Always, Here is A Fix.
| 2.9 |
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Song Reviews
2 opinions for Lyric Wednesday - Depeche Mode: John The Revelator
Feb 1, 2008 at 8:27 am
I have always liked this song but just a bit ago i realized the exact lyrics of this song and am a bit confused because i consider myself a christian.. so is this song bashing John and calling his revelations all lies???
Feb 2, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Heya Riley, Thanks for your comment first off. As for your question, as far as Depeche Mode Bashing John, I would have to say no.
The way I see it is the lyrics are about John The Revelator’s Exile as well as how he was tried and crucified for believing in Christ and for writing the book of revelations.
Due to Depeche Mode’s great ability to leave their songs open to interpretation (as many great songs are), this song can also be used as a song, if taken literally, to take a stab a not just the Christians, but Catholics as well.
I hope this helps mate. I also want to thank you for the question, I enjoyed answering it. If you have anymore questions, you know what to do!
- Pleasure.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: