Blessed

Simon & Garfunkel's song 'Blessed' is a poignant exploration of the duality of blessings and the sense of abandonment felt by those who are marginalized. The song opens with a reference to the Beatitudes from the Bible, specifically 'Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit,' which sets a spiritual tone. However, the lyrics quickly shift to a more somber and questioning mood, as the singer laments the plight of the 'sat upon, spat upon, ratted on.' This juxtaposition highlights the contrast between the idealized blessings promised in religious texts and the harsh realities faced by many individuals in society.

The song continues to delve into the lives of those who are often overlooked or judged harshly by society. The mention of 'meth drinkers, pot sellers, illusion dwellers' serves to humanize these individuals, suggesting that they too are deserving of blessings despite their circumstances. The repeated refrain 'O Lord, why have you forsaken me?' echoes a deep sense of spiritual and existential crisis, questioning the fairness of divine justice and the apparent absence of divine intervention in the lives of the downtrodden.

In the final verse, the song touches on the superficiality and hypocrisy often found in religious institutions. The 'stained glass, window pane glass' and 'church service makes me nervous' lines suggest a disconnection between the spiritual ideals preached and the actual experiences of the faithful. The singer's admission of having 'tended my own garden much too long' implies a realization of self-absorption and a call to action to engage more deeply with the suffering of others. Through its evocative lyrics and haunting melody, 'Blessed' serves as a powerful commentary on the complexities of faith, the inequities of society, and the enduring human quest for meaning and justice.