Meaning of "Skyscraper" by Bad Religion

The lyrics of "Skyscraper" delve into the themes of ambition, power, and the consequences of reaching too high. The opening lines, "Come let us make bricks and burn them hard, We'll build a city with a tower for the world," portray the enthusiasm and determination to create something great. The tower symbolizes the desire to achieve anything and everything. It represents the ambition to reach new heights both figuratively and literally.

However, as the song progresses, there is a shift in tone. The line "Build me up, tear me down, like a skyscraper" reflects the destructive nature of society and how it can bring down those who aspire to greatness. The joining walls that are torn down represent the barriers that prevent others from climbing to the same level of success or power. There is a sense of jealousy and resentment from those who are unable to reach the same heights, leading to the destruction of the tower.

The lyrics then explore the story of the Tower of Babel, alluding to the biblical tale. The lines "Well madness reigned and paradise drowned, when Babel's walls came crashing down" imply that the aspirations to reach the heavens were misguided, leading to chaos and the loss of paradise. The echoes of the story "that was hardly understood and never any good" suggest that the lessons from the past are often forgotten, and history repeats itself.

At its core, the song critiques the human desire for power and dominance. It highlights the destructive nature of ambition, where the pursuit of greatness can ultimately lead to downfall. The Tower of Babel serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the limitations and flaws in our pursuit of grandeur.