Seek Ye (Album Version)

Song Meaning

The lyrics open with a reflection on childhood religious instruction, specifically "Seek Ye first the kingdom." This foundational teaching is immediately followed by a stark warning against the traditional holy trinity. It sets a tone of re-evaluation and a call to a specific, perhaps alternative, commitment. A central tension emerges from this initial juxtaposition. The speaker, addressing "my Māori," seems to be offering a different path or perspective, explicitly stating "one thing you must know." This suggests a divergence from inherited religious doctrine, presenting listeners with an "opportunity to make a choice" about where their allegiance truly lies. The most striking craft element is the insistent, almost hypnotic repetition of "If you wanna be for it yeah, you gotta be for it." This refrain, devoid of a clear object for "it," transforms the lyrics from a simple narrative into a powerful, almost spiritual demand for conviction. It emphasizes the *act* of commitment over specific ideology, making the listener confront their own resolve. The inclusion of Māori phrases like "tū ki te whaikōrero" and "mihi" further grounds this universal call to choice within a specific cultural context, hinting at an alternative framework for acknowledgment and belonging. These lyrics resonate by creating a space for critical thought about inherited beliefs and personal allegiance. The speaker's internal moment of "thinking that maybe I should mihi" during a formal speech powerfully illustrates this personal re-evaluation. The effectiveness lies in how the lyrics don't prescribe *what* to be "for," but rather demand a profound, active commitment, promising "we must rejoice" for those who make the choice to be "on the other side." It's a call to self-defined conviction, rather than blind adherence.