The Future is a Foreign Land Lyrics - Ghost

Ghost, the rock band known for their theatrical and genre-bending music, explores themes of dystopia, love, and hope in their song "The Future is a Foreign Land." This analysis delves into the lyrics and the emotions they evoke.

[Verse 1]
Fifteen years from now
I know it feels remote
But picture it somehow
In your head
It's 1984
And knocking on your door
Is the Brownshirt Stasi guard
Boom, you're gone
And in the blood of the Kennedys
The good ones get shot
And in the absence of sympathies
Won't you hear me out?

Explanation of Verse 1
The song opens with a chilling vision of the future, reminiscent of Orwell's "1984." References to "Brownshirt Stasi guard" paint a picture of a totalitarian regime where even the "blood of the Kennedys" cannot escape tragedy. The lyrics suggest a world devoid of empathy, where humanity seems lost.

[Chorus]
When it all burns down
When it all burns down
I will hold you close for the minute
Yeah, I'll hold you for the minute it takes

Explanation of Chorus
Despite the bleakness, the chorus offers a glimmer of hope. The repeated line "I will hold you close for the minute it takes" portrays a moment of intimacy and connection in the face of turmoil. This suggests that love and human connection offer solace even in the darkest of times.

[Verse 2]
Fifty-five years from now
I know it sounds insane
The dark fascist regime might be gone (Might be gone)
Oh, if you by then havе forgiven me
When push comеs to shove
We don't have to be enemies
Won't you hear me out?
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Explanation of Verse 2
Fast-forwarding "Fifty-five years from now," the song contemplates the potential downfall of oppressive regimes. The lyrics hint at a yearning for forgiveness and reconciliation, advocating for unity over hostility. This shift suggests a hope for a future where societal structures have transformed.

[Chorus]
When it all burns down
When it all burns down
I will hold you close for the minute
For the minute
When it all burns down
And the flames devour everything that we are
I will hold you for the minute
I will hold you for the minute it takes

Explanation of Chorus
Despite the bleakness, the chorus offers a glimmer of hope. The repeated line "I will hold you close for the minute it takes" portrays a moment of intimacy and connection in the face of turmoil. This suggests that love and human connection offer solace even in the darkest of times.

{Bridge}
With these words at hand
The future is a foreign land
So let us pray for more in 2024
(2024) We could grow old together
(2024) We could love one another
(2024) And there will from then be peace forevermore (Forever)
Peace forevermore (And forever)

Explanation of Bridge
The song's central message is encapsulated in the line "The future is a foreign land." It encourages listeners to approach the unknown future with a mix of hope and trepidation. The repeated mention of "2024" might signify a pivotal moment or a year of anticipated change for the better.

[Chorus]
But if it all burns down
If it all burns down
I will hold you close for the minute
For the minute
If it all burns down
And the flames devour everything that we are
I will hold you for the minute
I will hold you for the minute it takes

Explanation of Chorus
The final chorus echoes the sentiment of the first, emphasizing the importance of holding onto love and human connection during times of hardship. By prioritizing love and resilience, the song offers a powerful message of hope in the face of potential societal collapse.
OVERALL
The Future is a Foreign Land stands as a poignant exploration of an uncertain future. It acknowledges the potential dangers of authoritarianism and societal collapse, while simultaneously celebrating the enduring power of love and hope. The song ultimately encourages listeners to embrace these positive forces even amidst the chaos and challenges that lie ahead.