Obsession
Delirious?
A Fiery Devotion: The Spiritual Yearning in 'Obsession' by Delirious?
Delirious?'s song 'Obsession' delves deep into the intense and consuming nature of spiritual longing and devotion. The lyrics express a profound yearning for a connection with the divine, grappling with the unseen and the ineffable. The opening lines, 'What can I do with my obsession? With the things I cannot see,' set the stage for a journey through the complexities of faith and the human condition. The singer questions the nature of their being and the forces that move them, likening their spiritual quest to the wind that blows the trees, an unseen yet powerful force.
The song oscillates between feelings of closeness and distance from the divine, encapsulated in the lines, 'Sometimes you're further than the moon, Sometimes you're closer than my skin.' This duality reflects the fluctuating nature of faith, where moments of divine intimacy are interspersed with periods of spiritual desolation. The imagery of being surrounded 'like a winter fog' and being 'burned with a kiss' conveys a sense of being enveloped and transformed by a higher power, highlighting the paradoxical nature of divine love—both comforting and consuming.
The theme of sin and redemption is also prominent in the song. The singer acknowledges their flaws, describing themselves as 'filthy with my sin' and carrying 'pride like a disease.' Despite this, there is a longing to be close to God, a desire for purification and liberation. The divine presence is depicted as both a winter coat that wraps around and a force that frees like a bird, symbolizing protection and liberation. The recurring refrain, 'And my heart burns for you,' underscores the intensity of this spiritual passion, a burning desire for divine connection that transcends the singer's imperfections and struggles.