Meaning of "7 Deadly Sins" by Simple Minds

"7 Deadly Sins" delves into the feelings of deception, abandonment, and the quest for truth. The lyrics reflect a sense of betrayal and frustration, as the protagonist feels that they have been lied to but lacks the evidence to prove it. They also feel cast aside and sheltered from the universal truth, indicating a sense of isolation and being excluded from important knowledge. The song then introduces the concept of the seven deadly sins, which are commonly recognized as lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride. Each verse explores a different sin and its impact on the protagonist's life.

The first sin, as mentioned in the song, is the temptation to resort to violence. The lyrics advise against it, emphasizing that nothing is worth dying for. The second sin portrays the protagonist's jealousy, admitting to feeling envious and resentful. The third sin is fidelity or faithfulness, indicating the loss of direction in one's actions and the need to start afresh.

The chorus suggests that the seven deadly sins have a strong influence on society as a whole, with everyone talking about them. The sins are portrayed as having a strange mystique and being superior to people, overpowering their actions. This highlights the allure and power the sins can hold over individuals.

The bridge of the song introduces additional sins, such as vanity and desire. Vanity is depicted as a destructive force, while desire is blamed for causing trouble and dissatisfaction. The lyrics also mention the idea of searching for a goldmine in a world that seems to be filled with valueless tin, symbolizing the misguided pursuit of material wealth and success.

The repetition in the chorus emphasizes the pervasive nature of the seven deadly sins, as everyone is portrayed as shouting them out. In the final lines, the protagonist calls out to the sins, urging them to talk to them, suggesting a complex relationship between the individual and their own temptations and weaknesses.

Overall, the lyrics of "7 Deadly Sins" explore themes of deception, abandonment, the pursuit of truth, and the influence of the seven deadly sins on human behavior.