The lyrics describe a sense of irony and frustration at being given certain abilities or tools without the means to fully utilize them. The speaker questions the purpose of having a voice that speaks out but a mind filled with doubt, and the irony of being given a train with no tracks or a ship with no sails. They express a desire for more concrete means to believe in something and seek clarity on whether they will ever receive the means to truly embrace belief.

Read more
image

Meaning of "Means To Believe" by Oh, Sleeper


The lyrics of "Means To Believe" by Oh, Sleeper explore themes of doubt, irony, and the struggle to find true faith or belief. The speaker reflects on the contradictions they perceive in the gifts or abilities they have been given by a higher power. The frustration of being provided with a voice that speaks out but a mind filled with doubt speaks to the internal conflict between outward expression and inner skepticism. The metaphor of a train with no tracks or a ship with no sails symbolizes the futility of trying to navigate through life with essential components missing. The repeated questions about whether the blind can see, the lame can meet, or the dead can embrace without being given the means to believe, express a deep longing for clarity, purpose, and validation. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of yearning for something more tangible to ground their beliefs and a plea for guidance or a sign to help navigate through doubts and uncertainties.