Deliverance - Concept of The Other Lyrics
Lyrics
Prejudicial blinds, become the dark veil of truth
A guilty eye for an eye, a bloody tooth for tooth
Call attention to the differences in their belief
Selling God with different names, the educated thief
We've clearly drawn the line
Oh who to justify to hate
Reasoning by law and love
The blindfolded one has sealed their fate
They seem to think that we serve the same God
All rolling out their mats or sealed in their pods
If only I've seen Christ in the way some live
The more we push and take, the more we make them give
We've clearly drawn the line
Oh who to justify to hate
Reasoning by law and love
The blindfolded one has sealed our fate
And though we pretend and come off so concerned
The misread parables incentive what we've learned
The price of human life, we somehow think we've earned
We've clearly drawn the line
Oh who to justify to hate
Reasoning by law and love
The blindfolded one has sealed their fate
Video
How To Deal With Multiple Foes | Kingdom Come Deliverance
Meaning & Inspiration
"Concept of The Other" by Deliverance presents a poignant critique of religious and ideological division, framed within the context of a video released for Kingdom Come Deliverance on August 1, 2024, focusing on combat scenarios against multiple foes. The song delves into the human tendency to create separation based on differences in belief, highlighted by lines such as "Prejudicial blinds, become the dark veil of truth" and "Call attention to the differences in their belief." The lyrics paint a picture of conflict fueled by judgment and retaliation ("A guilty eye for an eye, a bloody tooth to tooth"), suggesting that rather than seeking unity or understanding, individuals and groups weaponize their faith or worldview, even accusing others of "Selling God with different names." This points to a critical view of how deeply held beliefs can be twisted or used for self-serving purposes, creating an "us vs. them" mentality.
The recurring chorus, "We've clearly drawn the line / Oh who to justify to hate / Reasoning by law and love / The blindfolded one has sealed their fate," serves as the song's central declaration. It starkly states the deliberate act of division ("drawn the line") while questioning the justification for hatred that stems from it. The contrast between "reasoning by law and love" and the state of being "blindfolded" implies that prejudice and division are a result of failing to apply true principles of justice and compassion, leading to a destructive outcome. The shift from "sealed their fate" to "sealed our fate" in later repetitions of the chorus underscores the idea that conflict born of this division is mutually destructive, harming both sides involved in the animosity.
Further analysis of the verses reveals a deep skepticism regarding superficial claims of shared faith or understanding. Lines like "They seem to think that we serve the same God" challenge the notion of unity when actions contradict stated beliefs. The observation, "If only I've seen Christ in the way some live," directly questions the authenticity of faith when it does not manifest in compassion and empathy, but rather in taking from others ("The more we push and take, the more we make them give"). This highlights a perceived hypocrisy where religious or moral posturing is used to justify exploitation or aggression. The bridge reinforces this critique, suggesting that outward displays of concern are often mere pretense, and that a misinterpretation of foundational teachings ("The misread parables") serves as the incentive for harmful behavior. The chilling line, "The price of human life, we somehow think we've earned," speaks to the dehumanization that occurs when the "Concept of The Other" takes hold, leading to a belief that certain lives are worth less or that one has a right to inflict harm.
The song's meaning revolves around the dangerous consequences of failing to see shared humanity beyond ideological or religious boundaries. It critiques the ways in which perceived differences are amplified to justify prejudice, hatred, and conflict. By presenting this critique against the backdrop of a historical combat scenario in Kingdom Come Deliverance, the song suggests that this struggle with the "Concept of The Other" is a timeless aspect of the human condition, leading to violence and suffering. It serves as a reflection on the self-inflicted wounds caused by intolerance and the failure to live by the higher principles often espoused by faith or morality.
Scriptural references resonate strongly with the themes explored in the song. The idea of "eye for an eye, a tooth for tooth" directly echoes the *lex talionis* from the Old Testament (Exodus 21:24, Leviticus 24:20, Deuteronomy 19:21), but often stands in contrast to New Testament teachings emphasizing forgiveness and turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:38-39). The critique of judgment and hypocrisy aligns with Jesus' warnings in Matthew 7:1-5 ("Judge not, lest you be judged") and his condemnations of the Pharisees' outward piety lacking inner substance (Matthew 23). The call to love for one's neighbor and even enemies (Matthew 22:39, Matthew 5:43-44) directly challenges the justification of hate mentioned in the chorus. Furthermore, the concept of unity among believers and the rejection of divisions based on social or ethnic lines is a key theme in the New Testament (Galatians 3:28, John 17:21), standing in opposition to the "clearly drawn line" depicted in the song. The misreading or misapplication of parables or teachings leading to harmful actions reflects a distortion of true spiritual understanding.
Ultimately, "Concept of The Other" serves as a powerful and sobering commentary on the destructive nature of division fueled by prejudice and self-righteousness. While exposing the darkness of intolerance, the song implicitly calls for reflection on one's own biases and the true meaning of faith or principle. Its message, amplified by the visual context of historical conflict, inspires contemplation on how individuals and societies can transcend the tendency to define and dehumanize "the other," moving instead towards empathy, understanding, and genuine connection, thus potentially avoiding the tragic fate sealed by division.