Meaning of "Awake O Sleeper" by The Brothers Bright

"Awake O Sleeper" by The Brothers Bright contains powerful and evocative lyrics that touch upon themes of faith, struggle, and perseverance. The song begins by invoking the image of Abraham, a biblical figure known for his faith and devotion to God. The mention of Abraham raising his hands and mourning suggests a sense of disappointment or lamentation towards the current state of affairs.

The lyrics then allude to Abraham's "children" who have left the promised land and are now searching for their own way. This can be interpreted both literally and metaphorically. On a literal level, it could refer to the Israelites who left Egypt in pursuit of the promised land but faced trials and hardships along the way. Metaphorically, it could represent anyone who has strayed from their intended path or abandoned their faith.

The idea of kicking and screaming like wayward sons and wanting to sleep aligns with the notion of avoiding or escaping reality. It implies a sense of apathy or complacency, where individuals choose to dream away the "evil days" instead of confronting them head-on. The mention of hoping that God can't see speaks to a desire to hide one's wrongdoings or to avoid accountability for one's actions.

The chorus reveals the presence of chains upon God's children, signifying the burdens and limitations they face. These chains can be interpreted in different ways, such as societal constraints, personal struggles, or even spiritual bondage. Regardless of their specific nature, they represent the obstacles and challenges that prevent individuals from living their fullest lives.

The lyrics shift to a call for action, urging listeners to wake up from their slumber. The lion's roar symbolizes courage, strength, and the need to confront adversity. The song encourages individuals to stand together and fight the war rather than passively accepting their circumstances.

The reference to suffering coming again suggests that challenges and hardships are an inevitable part of life. The lyrics imply that individuals must be willing to give up their comforts and ease in order to achieve something greater, akin to those who bled for grace. This evokes the idea that sacrifice and perseverance are necessary in the pursuit of higher ideals or spiritual growth.

The song concludes with a plea to God, hoping that He would call the individual's name instead of turning away. This exhibits a sense of longing for recognition, acceptance, and affirmation from a higher power.

Overall, "Awake O Sleeper" conveys a message of awakening, taking action, and persevering in the face of adversity. It calls for individuals to shed complacency, confront their struggles, and find the strength within themselves to fight for what they believe in.