Meaning of "Cathedrals" by Jump, Little Children

"Cathedrals" explores themes of alienation, displacement, and the longing for belonging. The lyrics use vivid imagery to convey the emotions of the narrator and their experience in the cities of New York and Rome. The opening lines describe the shadows of tall buildings, fallen angels, and faded colors, creating a sense of decay and loss. The use of oily feathers in bronze and concrete suggests beauty tarnished and forgotten.

The line "moves slowly past the electric fence, across the borders between continents," signifies the physical and symbolic boundaries that divide people and cultures. The cathedrals of New York and Rome, often associated with grandeur and spirituality, become a metaphor for the search for meaning and identity. The feeling of needing to go home suggests a deep-rooted disconnection and longing for a sense of belonging that remains elusive.

The second verse continues the exploration of displacement, with the architecture peeling and statues and glass dividers separating the outsiders. The mosaic of the head of state represents the fragmented and contradictory nature of power. The cathedrals are again mentioned, reinforcing the sense of longing and the feeling that they hold answers to the narrator's existential questions.

The final verse presents open arches endlessly kneeling and sonic landscapes, creating a vivid contrast between the physical and spiritual realms. The mention of someone listening from a safe distance suggests the pervasiveness of surveillance and the feeling of being constantly observed. The fading light and the final moment in the dead of night imply an acceptance of the uncertainty and impermanence of life.

In summary, "Cathedrals" explores themes of displacement, longing for belonging, and the search for meaning and identity. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the decaying urban landscapes and the emotional turmoil of the narrator. The cathedrals of New York and Rome symbolize the yearning for a sense of home and a place where one can find answers to life's existential questions, even though it remains out of reach.