Meaning of "Sebastiane" by Sex Gang Children

The lyrics in "Sebastiane" delve into dark and provocative themes, highlighting the decay and corruption within society. The mention of a sister wishing well to dead young men on the shore suggests a sense of mourning and loss, possibly due to the destructive nature of society itself. The line "She soon died a suicide, kissed the table in god's name" conveys a sense of desperation and hopelessness. It implies that even religion, which is often associated with purity and salvation, is insufficient in comforting someone in their darkest times.

The lyrics also touch upon the code of the "cowboy men," who defile everything that is pure. This can be seen as a criticism of those in power who exploit and manipulate the innocent and vulnerable. The reference to "too much hate" and "your ignorance is your strength" speaks to the harmful effects of closed-mindedness and prejudice. It suggests that ignorance can fuel hatred, leading to the destruction of purity and innocence.

The mention of "selling Brittanica with its oozing pipeline dream" criticizes the manipulation and deception perpetuated by those in authority. It could represent the distortion of knowledge and information to serve certain agendas. The line "Eat your children baked in a pie, I will blind you to improve your visions of I" suggests a loss of empathy and compassion, with the speaker alluding to metaphorically consuming the youth and innocence of others for personal gain.

The repeated mention of "Sebastiane" throughout the song adds an enigmatic and mysterious element. It could represent a symbol of innocence and purity that is ultimately corrupted and destroyed by the society and individuals described in the lyrics. The reference to "kissing mother's broken spirit" might further emphasize the loss of nurturing and support within the corrupted society.

Overall, "Sebastiane" delves into themes of societal decay, corruption, religious hypocrisy, and the loss of innocence. It criticizes the exploitative nature of those in power and highlights the damaging effects of ignorance and hatred.