Margaret's Hymn

Deborah's Child's 'Margaret's Hymn' is a raw and intense exploration of inner turmoil, societal expectations, and the search for salvation. The song opens with a series of questions about salvation, asking if God, Christ, or love can save the narrator. This sets the tone for a deeply personal and spiritual quest, highlighting the narrator's desperation and need for redemption. The repetition of 'He saves me' and 'they save me' suggests a reliance on external forces for salvation, yet the uncertainty remains palpable.

The lyrics then shift to a more confrontational tone, with the narrator expressing anger and defiance. The line 'I am right. You are wrong, bitch' reflects a struggle for self-assertion and a rejection of others' judgments. This defiance is further emphasized by the repeated demand to 'get out my face,' indicating a desire to escape from societal pressures and expectations. The mention of breaking glass and feeling cold inside despite the summer outside symbolizes the internal conflict and emotional isolation the narrator experiences.

The song also delves into the lives of Margaret, Josefina, and Samantha, who engage in risky behaviors like drug use to cope with their pain. This narrative highlights the disconnect between their outward appearances and their hidden struggles, mirroring the narrator's own feelings of being misunderstood. The repeated plea for someone to save them underscores the pervasive sense of hopelessness and the longing for a way out. The song's raw language and vivid imagery paint a stark picture of rebellion, pain, and the relentless search for meaning and salvation in a world that often feels indifferent.