In Vain
Unveiling Hypocrisy: In Vain by James and the Shame
Lyrics
There's quite a few things you don't seem to mind
The person being addressed overlooks several significant matters.
I'm trying to figure out just where you draw the line
The singer is trying to understand the boundaries or standards the person has.
'Cause watching people die seems to be fine
Observing deaths doesn't bother the person, unlike other less consequential matters.
But god forbid a nipple or a Jesus Christ
The person finds trivial things offensive while being desensitized to more serious issues.
I sorta understand it took me quite a bit
The singer empathizes, having taken a while to change their reactions to certain situations.
Before I'd let an oh my god exit from my lips
It took time for the singer to break a habit of using religious exclamations.
But maybe that commandment about using the Lord's name
Suggests the commandment about using the Lord's name is deeper than mere words.
Is about a lot more than what you say
It might involve actions beyond verbal expressions.
So much done in Jesus' name
Actions supposedly done in Jesus' name are numerous.
Seems to me to be a god damn shame
The singer feels it's a pity or disgraceful.
Are you sure the savior came
Questions if the true purpose of Christ's arrival was to create uniformity in beliefs.
So the righteous would all vote the same
Suggests that using Jesus' name for political or ideological alignment is questionable.
Tell me who's the one using his name in vain
Challenges who is actually disrespecting the sanctity of Jesus' name.
Nothing rallies the troops like a building campaign
Building projects or endeavors for religious purposes tend to unite people.
Or gathering to worship with a rockstar on the stage
Gathering to worship, especially with a charismatic leader, is powerful.
Or traveling cross the ocean with life saving supplies
Doing charitable work abroad but with a prejudiced motive behind it.
So brown people will know they worship the devil in disguise
Implies a biased perception towards certain cultures or races in the name of religion.
So much done in Jesus' name
Reiterates the quantity of actions purportedly done in Jesus' name.
Seems to me to be a god damn shame
Expresses the singer's disappointment or disapproval.
Are you sure the savior came
Questions the true intention behind claiming allegiance to Christ.
To help your team win a football game
Raises doubts about attributing divine intervention in trivial matters.
Tell me who's the one using his name in vain
Questions the integrity of using Jesus' name to justify personal agendas.
So much done in Jesus' name
Repeats the observation of numerous actions claimed to be in Jesus' name.
Seems to me to be a god damn shame
Reiterates the singer's sense of disappointment or dismay.
Are you sure the savior came
Continues to question the true motives behind invoking Jesus' name.
To pledge allegiance to the USA
Questions if Christ's arrival was to endorse nationalistic ideals.
So you could find the perfect parking space
Highlights the absurdity of using religious beliefs for personal conveniences.
To help decide that supreme court case
Challenges the utilization of religion to influence legal or judicial decisions.
Tell me who's the one using his name in vain
Continues to question the integrity of invoking Jesus' name for personal gains.
Tell me who's the one using his name in vain
Reiterates the question about who is actually disrespecting the sanctity of Jesus' name.
Comment