Mary on a Cross song Meaning
Ghost is a Swedish heavy metal band that has gained popularity for their unique style and haunting lyrics. One of their most popular songs, “Mary on a Cross,” has left many fans wondering about the meaning behind its lyrics.
At its core, “Mary on a Cross” is a commentary on the commodification of religion and how it is often used to manipulate and control people. The song tells the story of a young girl named Mary who is raised to believe in a certain set of religious values and principles. As she grows older, she begins to question these beliefs and starts to realize that they are not as black and white as she once thought.
The lyrics of the song paint a vivid picture of Mary’s struggle, as she grapples with the weight of her religious upbringing and tries to come to terms with her own beliefs.
The lyrics of “Mary on the Cross” were released on September 13, 2019, and were written by Salem Al Fakir, Tobias Forge, and Vincent Pontare, while Gene Walker and Tobias Forge served as producers. The song narrates the story of a young woman named Mary who was crucified for her beliefs, as told by her ghost after being released from her earthly body. Through haunting and beautiful verses, the ghost recounts Mary’s life, highlighting how she was unjustly persecuted and ultimately met her demise.
In the opening verse, the lead singer conveys that the band has tasted success, but they’ve also faced challenging times. Despite feeling low, they persevered with determination. The lyrics of the song highlight depression as a significant theme, particularly in the verses. It appears that the second verse alludes to the band overcoming their reservations at some point. The meaning behind the lyrics suggests that there was a period when Ghost was more cautious and risk-averse, but they have now relinquished those limitations.
The chorus, in particular, is especially poignant:
“Mary on a cross
She’s just a human loss
She’s not what you think she is
She’s not what you need her to be”
These lines suggest that Mary is seen as nothing more than a commodity by those around her, including the religious leaders who have raised her. They have put her on a pedestal, projecting their own ideals onto her, rather than allowing her to form her own beliefs and opinions.
Overall, “Mary on a Cross” is a powerful commentary on the dangers of blind faith and the ways in which religion can be used to manipulate and control people. It is a haunting reminder to always question the beliefs and values that we are taught, and to form our own opinions based on our own experiences and observations.
Here’s the full lyrics of “Mary on a Cross” by Ghost:
Mary on a cross
Her head hung low
Bloody and gross
A precious rose
But aren’t we all
On our way to die?
Her skin so soft
Her eyes so bright
I’ll see you soon
In Paradise
She was the light
She was the one
She was my angel
She was my sun
She taught me love
She taught me life
She was the one
She was my wife
Mary on a cross
Her heart stopped still
The rain falls hard
On a prophet’s will
But aren’t we all
On our way to die?
Her skin so soft
Her eyes so bright
I’ll see you soon
In Paradise
She was the light
She was the one
She was my angel
She was my sun
She taught me love
She taught me life
She was the one
She was my wife
Mary on a cross
Her head hung low
Bloody and gross
A precious rose
But aren’t we all
On our way to die?
Her skin so soft
Her eyes so bright
I’ll see you soon
In Paradise
She was the light
She was the one
She was my angel
She was my sun
She taught me love
She taught me life
She was the one
She was my wife
Mary on a cross
Mary on a cross
Mary on a cross
In conclusion, Ghost’s “Mary on a Cross” is a powerful song that challenges listeners to think critically about the role of religion in society. Its haunting lyrics and melancholic melody leave a lasting impression, and serve as a reminder to always question the status quo and form our own opinions based on our own experiences and observations.
