Song Meaning
These lyrics immediately plunge into a sharp critique of an unnamed institution, likely religious, that has summoned a group only to misjudge them. There's a palpable sense of being called to a community, yet feeling profoundly misunderstood and marginalized within its walls. The central question, "How now is soon?" echoes with an impatient yearning for genuine acceptance.
The core tension arises from the group's declared belonging despite their perceived brokenness, clashing with the institution's narrow definitions. The lines "Whores and taxmen enter in before us" sting, highlighting a perceived hypocrisy where those traditionally deemed sinners are welcomed, while the narrators, who feel a deeper connection, are kept at arm's length. They clarify their stance, asserting, "We didn't reject Jesus, we forsook his cartoon," drawing a crucial distinction between a spiritual figure and its superficial, "hot-aired stereotype" representation.
The craft here is incisive, using almost irreverent language to dismantle dogma. The second verse shifts perspective, seemingly addressing Jesus himself with a strikingly humanized portrayal: "You weren't holy enough for them / And you trashed a room." This raw, unvarnished image of a rebellious, imperfect figure who "took off from the tomb" contrasts sharply with the earlier "cartoon," suggesting a preference for an authentic, messy truth over sanitized narratives.
Ultimately, these lyrics hit hard because they articulate a universal struggle: the desire for belonging within a system that often prioritizes rigid adherence over genuine connection. The repeated refrain, "All of us are broken and we belong to you," coupled with the impatient "How now is soon?" captures a poignant blend of vulnerability, defiance, and a desperate hope for a future where acceptance isn't just promised, but finally realized.