Link to the song
Lyrics to the song
The Band: AlicebanD
Piano heavy and atmospheric, AlicebanD captures an evocative aesthetic. Led by Alice Walker, their music weaves together themes of theology, romance, loss, and hope.
The Song: Maria
Key Lyric Section-
I ate this apple a while ago
It looked so sweet and crunchy so
I took a bite and ever since
I had these thoughts that made no sense
Like I somehow see what's right from wrong
I somehow know a song's a song
And singing never fed the world but singing never felt so good
A clear gesture toward the Biblical book of Genesis, this song subtly alters the standard narrative. The typical interpretation of the story is that Adam and Eve are convinced by a snake1 to eat an apple2 from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. From this they gain moral sensibilities, including a sense of shame (as a result they cover their genitals with leaves).
This lyric essentially follows the story to that point, but diverges from the standard narrative. Typically the event is cast in a negative light, as Adam and Eve are cast out of the garden of Eden, and the relationship between humans and snakes is made forever hostile. However here, the second to last line references the ability to understand music as music. Implied is that the apple gave the singer the ability to recognize art. This frames the eating of the apple as a constructive act, as an enabling of new creativity. As the final line quoted describes, singing isn’t an action required for biological functioning. However, the transcendental experience of fashioning art enables new heights and depths of experience. At least within the context of the song, these lyrics suggest artistry is itself an underlying component or result of morality.
Next Post Scheduled: Lyricos Exploratio ꞮꞮ: Wolf, by Aliceband.
It is not clear from the original translations whether this snake is Satan, an unnamed demon, or simply an animal versed in deception.
It is not clear from the original translations exactly what fruit is on the tree of Eden, some suggest alternative fruits such as the pomegranate.