Mary on a Cross by Ghost - Song Meaning
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Get the iOS AppGhost’s song “Mary on a Cross” is a striking blend of religious imagery, rebellion, and personal reflection. With its haunting lyrics and evocative references to figures like the Virgin Mary Magdalene, the ghost's song invites listeners to dig deeper into its meaning. In this analysis, we’ll break down the song’s themes and explore how Ghost uses symbolism to convey ideas about fame, sacrifice, and nonconformity.
Let's begin with the lyrics itself.
We were speeding together
Down the dark avenues
But besides of the stardom
All we got was blues
But through all of that sorrow
We were riding high
And the truth of the matter is
I never let you go, let you go
We were scanning the cities
Rocking to pay the dues
But besides of the glamour
All we got was bruised
But through all of that sorrow
We were riding high
And the truth of the matter is
I never let you go, let you go
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
If you choose to run away with me
I will tickle you internally
And I see nothing wrong with that
We were searching for reasons
To play by the rules
But we quickly found
It was just for fools
Now through all of this sorrow
We'll be riding high
And the truth of the matter is
I never let you go, let you go
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
You go down just like Holy Mary
Mary on a, Mary on a cross
Your beauty never ever scared me
Mary on a, Mary on a cross
If you choose to run away with me
I will tickle you internally
And I see nothing wrong with that
Nothing wrong with that
(Mary on a, Mary on a cross)
Nothing wrong with that
(Mary on a, Mary on a cross)
(Mary on a) Mary on a cross
In the opening lines, the speaker reflects on a fast-paced, reckless lifestyle:
“We were speeding together, Down the dark avenues, But besides the stardom, All we got was blues”
This suggests a journey driven by the pursuit of fame or success. However, despite all the stardom, the reward is not as glamorous as anticipated. Despite the allure of “stardom,” what the speaker finds is emotional emptiness (“blues”). This can be seen as a critique of fame, illustrating the idea that success can often bring sadness or disappointment, leaving one feeling unfulfilled.
The theme of perseverance through hardship is emphasized in the song's chorus:
“But through all of that sorrow, We were riding high, And the truth of the matter is, I never let you go”
Despite the pain and sorrow, there’s a sense of loyalty and connection that keeps the speaker and their companion together. The phrase “riding high” could represent the emotional highs they experience together, perhaps driven by the excitement of their lifestyle or their bond. The repeated assurance of “I never let you go” implies that this relationship, whether literal or metaphorical, remains strong despite challenges.
The most provocative and recurring image in the song is the comparison to the Virgin Mary:
“You go down just like Holy Mary, Mary on a, Mary on a cross”
Here, the speaker compares their companion to Holy Mary, a symbol of purity and sacrifice. Some listeners find this imagery deeply offensive, sparking backlash due to its intertwining of sexual and religious elements. “Mary on a cross” combines the imagery of the Virgin Mary with the crucifixion, suggesting a form of martyrdom or suffering. This religious metaphor might symbolize how the person, or perhaps the lifestyle, is misunderstood or even vilified by society. Just as Mary faced a life of spiritual burden, the speaker’s companion may be portrayed as someone bearing the weight of their choices.
The song's lyrics, particularly the line:
“Not just another Bloody Mary, Mary on a, Mary on a cross”
offers an interesting contrast. While “Bloody Mary” (a reference to Queen Mary I or the cocktail) can be seen as a symbol of destruction or violence, the speaker elevates their companion to the level of “Mary on a cross,” implying that they are not just another tragic figure but someone who possesses a deeper spiritual or symbolic meaning.
As the song progresses, the speaker reflects on societal expectations and their decision to reject them:
“We were searching for reasons to play by the rules, But we quickly found it was just for fools”
This line reinforces a theme of rebellion and nonconformity. The speaker and their companion choose to defy societal norms, viewing them as limiting or irrelevant. Instead, they find freedom in breaking away from those rules, a common theme in Ghost’s music. The EP 'Seven Inches of Satanic Panic', from which the song 'Mary on a Cross' originates, also embodies this spirit with its humorous, Satanic imagery and nostalgic music.
“Mary on a Cross” is a religious song that explores the complex relationship between fame, rebellion, and sacrifice. The Swedish rock band Ghost delves into these themes with their unique style. Through the use of religious imagery, particularly the figure of Mary, Ghost creates a layered narrative that contrasts purity and suffering with nonconformity and freedom. Tobias Forge, the frontman of Ghost, has shared insights into the song's ambiguous meanings, addressing misconceptions about its themes. The song’s lyrics invite listeners to question societal norms, the pursuit of success, and the emotional costs that come with these pursuits. Ultimately, it tells a story of loyalty and perseverance, with an underlying message that freedom can be found in rejecting conventional paths and embracing the unorthodox.
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