The Devil's In The Temple

Bon Jovi's song 'The Devil's In The Temple' is a powerful commentary on the corruption and moral decay that can infiltrate even the most sacred of spaces. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a once-holy place, now overrun by deceit and malevolence. The opening lines, 'This was a church, a house full of prayer,' set the stage for a narrative of lost sanctity and betrayal. The imagery of 'thieves at the altar' and 'a snake wears the crown' suggests that those in positions of power have become corrupt, leading the faithful astray by offering 'coal' and swearing it's 'gold.' This metaphor highlights the disillusionment with institutions that were once trusted to uphold moral and ethical standards.

The chorus, 'Look what they've done to this house of love,' underscores the sense of irreversible damage. The reference to the river turning to blood is a biblical allusion to the plagues of Egypt, symbolizing a point of no return. The line 'The savior’s come and gone, we're all out of time' suggests a missed opportunity for redemption and a grim acceptance of the current state of affairs. The devil's presence in the temple serves as a metaphor for the pervasive and inescapable nature of corruption, making it clear that the situation is dire and beyond simple repair.

In the latter part of the song, the lyrics take on a more rebellious tone. The desire to 'crash through the gates' and 'break every chain' speaks to a longing for liberation and justice. The call for 'jail for the jailers' and the singing of 'freedom’s song' reflect a yearning for a return to righteousness and integrity. However, the repeated acknowledgment that 'the devil's in the temple and he ain't no friend of mine' serves as a sobering reminder of the entrenched nature of the corruption. The vivid imagery of the devil 'making a mess' and 'got the Mona Lisa, got his hands up her dress' further emphasizes the desecration of what was once pure and revered.

Bon Jovi's 'The Devil's In The Temple' is a poignant reflection on the loss of innocence and the pervasive nature of corruption. It challenges listeners to recognize the moral decay around them and to strive for a return to integrity and justice, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.