Tribal

Nightwish's song 'Tribal' delves into the complexities of human nature, belief systems, and societal constructs. The opening lines, 'Ten thousand tales for the curious kind / Bazaar of heavens for a hive mind,' suggest a world rich with stories and beliefs, catering to those who seek knowledge and understanding. The phrase 'hive mind' implies a collective consciousness, where individual thoughts are overshadowed by a unified belief system, often seen in religious or cultural communities.

The reference to 'Abraham cut into three' alludes to the Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—highlighting the division of a single origin into multiple faiths. This division leads to the creation of gods and the beginning of preaching, as mentioned in 'Man found gods and began to preach.' The song critiques the suffering and blind faith that often accompany religious devotion, as seen in the lines 'Suffering loves faythe loves suffering / Smile to elders like a good doll.' This suggests a cycle of suffering and blind obedience, where individuals are expected to conform and repent.

The chorus, 'Sing the praise of your creation / Bride-prices, thought crimes, blind minds,' criticizes the societal norms and practices that perpetuate control and conformity. 'Bride-prices' refers to the transactional nature of marriage in some cultures, while 'thought crimes' and 'blind minds' highlight the suppression of free thought and individuality. The line 'The Word hides vivid monsters / To bed the tribal itch' suggests that religious texts and doctrines often conceal darker truths and primal instincts, urging people to conform to tribalistic behaviors.

Overall, 'Tribal' by Nightwish is a powerful commentary on the human condition, exploring themes of belief, conformity, and the struggle for individuality within societal and religious constructs.