The latter part of the song seems to be Sufjan's decision to choose the ghost, rather than flesh. It's going to be terribly hard, but it's better to follow the flame than fall on the floor. Anyways, not saying I'm right, but this is how it jumped out to me as one who holds to the same beliefs as Sufjan. In any case, the song is incredibly powerful.
It's also interesting that Sufjan consistently uses the word "ghost" to refer to the Holy Spirit in his music (To be alone with you f.e.). And so here, the "murdering ghost" is a picture of the Holy Spirit within Sufjan urging him to die to his self and follow the proddings of the spirit. Also, the lyrics are "article of eminent death" and not "immanent." Eminent death could possibly be a crucifixion reference, although it's tough to be sure.
That said, the entire song is Sufjan's internal dilemma of whether he will follow the "flame" or whether he will fall on the floor. According to Christian belief (with which Sufjan is very familiar), the believer must choose between following the Spirit of God which resides within him, or the flesh, which is always the easier choice ("Why does it have to be so hard?").
Someones interpretation►"First off, "Vesuvius" and "Fire of Fire" and "permanent blast" are the same thing. Sufjan's using the famous volcano as a symbol for the ultimate fire, which is God.
The latter part of the song seems to be Sufjan's decision to choose the ghost, rather than flesh. It's going to be terribly hard, but it's better to follow the flame than fall on the floor. Anyways, not saying I'm right, but this is how it jumped out to me as one who holds to the same beliefs as Sufjan. In any case, the song is incredibly powerful.
lockitkitten 6 months ago
It's also interesting that Sufjan consistently uses the word "ghost" to refer to the Holy Spirit in his music (To be alone with you f.e.). And so here, the "murdering ghost" is a picture of the Holy Spirit within Sufjan urging him to die to his self and follow the proddings of the spirit. Also, the lyrics are "article of eminent death" and not "immanent." Eminent death could possibly be a crucifixion reference, although it's tough to be sure.
lockitkitten 6 months ago
That said, the entire song is Sufjan's internal dilemma of whether he will follow the "flame" or whether he will fall on the floor. According to Christian belief (with which Sufjan is very familiar), the believer must choose between following the Spirit of God which resides within him, or the flesh, which is always the easier choice ("Why does it have to be so hard?").
lockitkitten 6 months ago
Someones interpretation►"First off, "Vesuvius" and "Fire of Fire" and "permanent blast" are the same thing. Sufjan's using the famous volcano as a symbol for the ultimate fire, which is God.
lockitkitten 6 months ago