Means To Believe
Oh, Sleeper
The Struggle for Faith in 'Means To Believe' by Oh, Sleeper
In 'Means To Believe,' Oh, Sleeper delves into the complexities and ironies of faith and belief. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with the seeming contradictions in their spiritual journey. The imagery of building a ship with no sails and a train with no tracks symbolizes the futility and frustration of trying to navigate life and faith without the necessary tools or guidance. This metaphorical language underscores the feeling of being set up for failure, highlighting the irony in the expectations placed upon the believer.
The chorus questions the logic of expecting the blind to see, the lame to walk, and the dead to embrace faith without being given the means to do so. This poignant inquiry reflects a deep sense of disillusionment and confusion. The singer is essentially asking how one can be expected to believe and follow a higher power when they feel inadequately equipped to do so. This theme is further explored in the verses, where the singer describes being given a voice paired with doubt and sand to build a home that ultimately collapses. These lines emphasize the internal conflict and the struggle to reconcile faith with personal limitations and doubts.
The song culminates in a plea for answers, as the singer asks if they will ever be given the means to believe. This raw and honest expression of doubt and yearning for clarity resonates with anyone who has ever questioned their faith or felt abandoned in their spiritual journey. 'Means To Believe' is a powerful exploration of the human condition, highlighting the ironies and challenges of maintaining faith in the face of adversity and uncertainty.