If I Believe You

The 1975's song 'If I Believe You' delves into the complex and often painful relationship between faith, doubt, and the search for meaning. The lyrics reveal a deep existential crisis, where the protagonist grapples with a 'God shaped hole' that is 'infected,' symbolizing a profound spiritual emptiness and longing. This metaphorical hole represents the void that many feel when they lack a sense of purpose or connection to something greater than themselves. The fear of being alone and the desperation for answers are palpable, making the song resonate with anyone who has ever questioned their beliefs or felt lost in their spiritual journey.

The chorus poses a poignant question: 'If I believe you, will that make it stop?' This line captures the essence of the struggle between faith and skepticism. The protagonist is willing to believe, but only if it provides relief from their suffering. This conditional faith highlights the transactional nature of their relationship with the divine, where belief is seen as a means to an end rather than a genuine conviction. The repeated plea for Jesus to 'show yourself' underscores the yearning for tangible proof and a direct encounter with the divine, reflecting a common human desire for certainty in matters of faith.

The song also touches on the influence of substances in opening the mind to new perspectives, as seen in the line 'the dabs were nice at opening up my mind.' This suggests that altered states of consciousness can sometimes lead to spiritual insights or revelations, albeit fleeting ones. The protagonist's willingness to become a 'child' of God if it means finding peace further illustrates the desperation and vulnerability inherent in their quest for meaning. The lyrics also critique the societal pressures to conform to religious norms, as seen in the lines about being an 'evangelist' and the sarcastic remark about selling faith to avoid hell. Ultimately, 'If I Believe You' is a raw and honest exploration of the human condition, capturing the tension between doubt and the desire for faith in a world that often feels uncertain and chaotic.