Bible
Ghost
The Rise and Fall of Babylon: A Modern Parable
Ghost's song "Bible" is a profound narrative that intertwines biblical creation with a modern-day parable about the rise and fall of civilizations. The lyrics begin with a depiction of the Earth's creation, echoing the Genesis story from the Bible. The voice from above, symbolizing a divine presence, initiates the creation of light, fruits, and life itself. This sets the stage for the emergence of humanity, created in the divine image, to rule the world. The first three days of creation are marked by purity and innocence, with no crimes committed and life flourishing.
As the song progresses, it shifts to the story of Babylon, a symbol of human ambition and eventual downfall. The lyrics describe how man and woman learned to harness fire and extend their kingdom's walls, representing technological and societal advancements. However, by the fourth day, the walls of the kingdom have grown so vast that their ends are unknown, signifying the overreach of human ambition. The voice that once guided humanity is no longer heard, and the natural order begins to falter. The fifth day brings a metaphorical fall, with spring turning into fall and an unending rain symbolizing decay and destruction.
The chorus repeatedly calls for prayers and songs for Babylon, emphasizing its impending doom. By the sixth day, the world is described as an open sore, a powerful image of a civilization in decline. The seventh day, traditionally a day of rest in the biblical creation story, is marked by silence and desolation. The final lines, quoting a divine regret for creating humanity, underscore the theme of divine retribution and the cyclical nature of rise and fall. Ghost's "Bible" serves as a cautionary tale, reminding listeners of the consequences of unchecked ambition and the importance of heeding moral and natural laws.