Jerusalem on the Jukebox
Jerusalem's Jukebox: A Satirical Symphony of Modern Desires
Lyrics
Jerusalem on the Jukebox, they talk in tongues on CoronationStreet
Reference to the juxtaposition of sacred and mundane elements in contemporary culture; the spiritual and everyday coexist.
Heaven help the Pharisee whose halo has slipped down to hisfeet
Critique of hypocritical religious figures whose moral standards have faltered.
A thousand satellite comedians have died for your sins
Satirical comment on the entertainment industry's exploitation of religious themes for popularity.
Jerusalem on the jukebox, little angels, beat your wings
Imagery of celestial beings celebrating or reacting to the presence of sacredness.
At poolside picnics they chant for Ferraris and furs
Describes a materialistic society where desires for luxury items dominate gatherings.
Their muscle-tone sharpens but their hold on reality blurs
Physical fitness increases, but a detachment from reality occurs.
You can have your cake and eat it, and never have to puke up athing
Expression of excess and indulgence without consequences.
Jerusalem on the jukebox, little angels, beat your wings
Reiteration of celestial approval, reinforcing the idea of the divine amidst indulgence.
In the bathroom mirror they try that Joan of Arc look again
Reflection on the pursuit of an idealized appearance, referencing historical figures.
Two parts Ingrid Bergman to one part Shirley MacLaine
Blend of famous personas in an attempt to emulate an iconic image.
The wounds of time kill you but the surgeon's knife only stings
Contrast between the impact of time and superficial attempts to defy aging.
Jerusalem on the jukebox, little angels, beat your wings
Repeated encouragement for celestial beings to celebrate, despite human imperfections.
In video-suburbia the blue light flickers and flames
Depiction of a distorted reality in the age of video entertainment.
Ecstasy and holy blackmail are the favorite games
Exploration of the paradoxical relationship between ecstasy and religious manipulation.
And God has the sharpest suit and the cleanest chin
Personification of God with emphasis on outward appearance, possibly criticizing superficial religiosity.
Jerusalem on the jukebox, little angels, beat your wings
Reiteration of the divine presence amid societal distractions and distortions.
The bride checks her hair and her make-up,and here comes thegroom
Scene of a traditional wedding, juxtaposing the sacred and mundane.
What one-eyed monster comes slouching into your front room
Humorous reference to television and its potential negative influence on households.
Rudolph Valentino or the curse of the two-legged things
Comparison of a TV character to historical figures, questioning the impact of media on societal values.
Jerusalem on the jukebox, little angels, beat your wings
Final call for celestial beings to celebrate in the midst of societal complexities.
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