Pride of Man
Rise and Fall: Reflections on the Fragility of Power
Lyrics
Turn around go back down go back the way you came
Turning around and retracing steps, urging someone to go back the way they came.
Can't you see the flash of fire ten times brighter than the day
Observing a powerful and intense manifestation, possibly a destructive force.
And behold the mighty city broken in the dust again
Witnessing a great city in ruins and broken, emphasizing its downfall.
Oh God the pride of man broken in the dust again
Expressing dismay or sorrow to God about the repeated failure and destruction of human pride.
Turn around go back down go back the way you came
Reiterating the call to turn around, emphasizing a sense of warning or regret.
Babylon is laid to waste Egypt's buried in her shame
Describing the devastation of Babylon and the humiliation of Egypt.
Their mighty men are beaten down the kings are fallen in the ways
Noting the defeat of powerful individuals and rulers.
Oh God the pride of man broken in the dust again
Repeating the lamentation to God about the broken pride of humanity.
Turn around go back down go back the way you came
Reemphasizing the plea to turn around, highlighting the presence of terror.
Terror is on everyside though the leaders are dismayed
Noting widespread fear and confusion among leaders.
Those who put their faith in fire in fire their faith shall be repaid
Warning that those who trust in destructive forces will face consequences.
Oh God the pride of man broken in the dust again
Reiterating the expression of God's disappointment in the pride of man.
Turn around go back down go back the way you came
Repeating the call to turn around, indicating a sense of urgency.
Shout a warning to the nations that the sword of god is raised
Announcing a warning to nations about the imminent divine judgment.
On Babylon that mighty city rich in treasure wide in fame
Focusing on the impending downfall of Babylon, a city known for its wealth and fame.
It shall cause thy towers to fall and make it be a pyre of flame
Predicting the destruction of Babylon's towers and its transformation into a fiery pyre.
Oh God the pride of man broken in the dust again
Expressing God's disappointment in the repeated brokenness of human pride.
Thou that dwell on many water rich in treasure wide in fame
Addressing those dwelling in prosperous and famous places, warning about worshiping material wealth.
Bow unto a god of gold thy pride of might shall be thy shame
Predicting that reliance on material wealth will bring shame instead of pride.
Oh God the pride of man broken in the dust again
Reiterating the theme of God's disappointment in human pride, specifically tied to materialism.
And only God can lead the people back into the faith again
Stating that only God can guide people back to faith, invoking the idea of divine restoration.
Thy holy mountain be restored thy mercy on thy people Lord
Expressing a hope for the restoration of a sacred place and seeking God's mercy for the people.
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