Sign Of The Cross by Avantasia Lyrics Meaning – Decoding The Sacred and The Profane
Lyrics
In a world of mammon we have found it all!
Fighting for pride and for gold
But the key to the reign, to the ultimate control
Wisdom of the old
We have been elect to drain the wine
Of Gnosis to hide it and pray
Got to save our children from the beast
We are on the way
Remaining in darkness
The land of salvation will drown
And when we’ll have vanished
Slavery will take your freedom down
Seven eyes to be blind forever in time
Sign of the cross
Hell arise! Castigation under the sign
Sign of the cross
Make us drown in altar wine
In the heart of justice called Horeb long ago
Moses got carvings in stone
Imposed to judge those who do not fear
The only, the holy, the Lord
The blood of anger and pain
Ink of the Old Testament
I know they’ll end their crusade
Drown in the blood of the lamb
Remaining in darkness
The land of salvation will drown
And when we’ll have vanished
Slavery will take your freedom down
Seven eyes to be blind forever in time
Sign of the cross
Hell arise! Castigation under the sign
Sign of the cross
Make us drown in altar wine
You have been the chosen one
So welcome to this place
Vandroiy’s told us you would come to help us win the race
Bring back the seal from the men who don’t know what they do
Seemed to be a fool without and own way of life
But you’ve been a sleeping mind and you woke up on time
You’ve got the power to save us and finally you, oh yeah
A dream is forever (all these colors)
The land of salvation can’t drown (fantasy)
These enchanting colors (all these colors)
Who could have the might to tear it down? (Fantasy)
Seven eyes to be blind forever in time
Sign of the cross
Hell arise! Castigation under the sign
Sign of the cross
Seven eyes
Follow the sign
Sign of the cross
Hell arise!
Follow the sign
Sign of the cross
Avantasia’s ‘Sign of the Cross’ unfurls like an ancient scroll, one that is inscribed with the mythic duel between light and darkness, knowledge and ignorance, freedom and tyranny. The track, hailing from the power metal project masterminded by Tobias Sammet, isn’t just a symphonic crest riding the metal waves but a narrative that meticulously weaves together biblical allegory with a critique of materialistic society.
As listeners, we’re plunged into an odyssey – perhaps it’s the very quest of humanity’s saga. The song suggests that wisdom, symbolized by the biblical reference to the ‘tree of knowledge’, is a coveted and guarded treasure in a world that grapples with greed and false justice. The song’s intricate composition, coupled with its layered lyrics, suggests a more profound introspection, compelling us to decode the heavier significance that rests beneath its melodic surface.
A Metal Symphony of Biblical Proportions
Grounded in a soundscape that channels the grandeur of classical composition through the electrifying medium of metal, ‘Sign of the Cross’ is an epic tale set to sound. The track doesn’t shy away from creating a cinematic experience, employing choirs and an orchestra to underscore its narrative drive. Like the timeless stories etched in scripture, the song charts an existential battle between forces that vie for the souls of humanity.
This battle is painted not only through tumultuous and commanding instrumentals but through contrasting vocal styles that deliver the gravitas of an ancient tale playing out in a modern era. The references to the valleys of Horeb, where Moses received divine laws, juxtapose the divine order against the ‘world of mammon,’ hinting at the present-day turmoil between spiritual values and material excess.
Guardians of Gnosis: The Keepers of Forbidden Wisdom
Within the grand narrative of ‘Sign of the Cross,’ the concept of Gnosis holds a key to understanding its depths. Gnosis, meaning ‘knowledge’ in Greek, here becomes a symbol for esoteric wisdom – a sacred lore that the self-appointed elect have hidden and sought to protect. In the context of the song, this wisdom is under threat by a beast, a metaphor for blind greed and the destruction it brings.
The keepers of Gnosis see themselves as saviors on a mission to shield future generations from an impending downfall. But there’s a sense of tragic irony as the very act of hiding knowledge could be contributing to the darkness they wish to dispel. ‘Sign of the Cross’ spins this aspect of its tale by exploring the duality of protection and control.
Delving Into the Abyss: The Hidden Meaning Behind The Song
Beyond its sweeping narratives and mythic allusions, ‘Sign of the Cross’ subtly critiques the institutions and ideas that manipulate humanity. It questions the veracity of historical narratives and dogmatic assertions of truth. By framing the song in the context of a never-ending crusade, Avantasia draws parallels between the past and present, commenting on the cyclical nature of history and human folly.
The ‘Sign of the Cross’ itself, while deeply associated with sacred rites, becomes a symbol of division and even persecution under the song’s interpretation. This duplicity exemplified by a symbol of faith mirrors today’s polarized societies, where ideologies often masquerade as saviors while fostering divisiveness and suppressing individual thought.
Echoes of Liberation: The Song’s Most Memorable Lines
‘Seven eyes to be blind forever in time. Sign of the cross.’ This grim prophecy encapsulated in the chorus sends a shiver down the spine. The number seven, often regarded as sacred, here ironically foretells eternal blindness — a loss of direction and enlightenment. These lines resonate as a dark revelation, warning of the consequences of blindly following without seeking truth.
Similarly poignant, the song cautions against the intoxication of power with ‘Make us drown in altar wine.’ It’s a piercing critique veiled within biblical language; altar wine, which symbolizes sacrifice and redemption, turns into a drowning pool for those who are swayed by the promises of false prophets and leaders.
The Power of Awakening: A Journey From Folly to Enlightenment
The latter part of the song unveils a character who emerges as the unexpected hero, one who has been ‘elected’ to restore the seal from the foolish. This individual transitions from a ‘sleeping mind’ that woke ‘just on time,’ signifying an awakening of consciousness, a stirring of the dormant wisdom that we all possess but so often disregard.
It underlines the transformative journey from ignorance to awareness, suggesting that the key to mankind’s redemption doesn’t lie in hidden wisdom or ancient symbols, but in the universal capacity for awakening and personal empowerment. Avantasia’s ‘Sign of the Cross’ is thereby a clarion call for individual enlightenment in the face of collective darkness.
