The lyrics of "St. John" by Aerosmith tell the story of a man named John who is described as being both bad and cool. John prays for all the people and is known for never doing anything after school. Late at night, he lays his hand down upon a sword and praises the lord. The repetition of laying down upon the sword signifies a willingness to sacrifice and a deeper meaning behind his actions.

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Meaning of "St. John" by Aerosmith


The lyrics of "St. John" can be interpreted in different ways, but one possible meaning revolves around the themes of sacrifice and spirituality. The character John is portrayed as having a complex persona - one that is both bad yet cool, suggesting that he possesses certain contradictory qualities. He is someone who seems to understand the struggles and pain of others, as he prays for all the people ever made. This implies a sense of empathy and compassion, highlighting his connection to humanity. Late at night, when the distractions and noise of the world are minimized, John finds solace in his faith. By laying his hand down upon the sword, he symbolically submits himself to a higher power, possibly representing a form of sacrifice or surrender. The repetition of this action reinforces its significance and suggests a deep commitment to his beliefs. The line "late night TV roared" could be seen as a contrast between the noise and superficiality of modern society and the spiritual depth John seeks in his solitary moments. Overall, the lyrics of "St. John" explore themes of spirituality, sacrifice, and the complexities of human nature.