Words and music by Bob Hartman
Based on 1 Timothy 6:5, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, 2 Timothy 4:3, Romans 16:17
It's not so hard to understand what people see in you
You tell them it's okay to have their cake and eat it too
You traded truth for Godless gain and no one will suspect
You're such a clever counterfeit of all that you reject
(Chorus)
Pied piper, playin' the tune they want to hear
Putting a tickle in their ear
Pied piper, wanting them all to follow you
Not know where you lead them too
But all the time you're leading them astray
The sheep just sit there grinning as they listen to your lies
Never knowing when you pull the wool over their eyes
You've got them trained to say "How high?" whenever you say "Jump!"
And those who disagree with you, you always seem to stump
You may not mean to harm a soul you say you're innocent
But when the final tally comes, you made more than you spent
You knew they'd have to pay the price for listening to you
You knew before too long they'd have to pay the Piper too
Pied Piper Video
Pied Piper Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Pied Piper by Petra: A Critical Analysis
Introduction:
We will explore the main key messages of the song, its meaning, and potential inspiration or song story if available. Furthermore, we will critically analyze the song's alignment with biblical principles, using relevant biblical references to support our arguments.
Key Messages of the Song:
The song Pied Piper by Petra carries profound messages that resonate with listeners. Let's examine these messages in chronological order, as they are presented through the song's lyrics.
1. "It's not so hard to understand what people see in you, You tell them it's okay to have their cake and eat it too":
The opening lines of the song highlight the charismatic and manipulative nature of the Pied Piper figure. He entices people by telling them they can indulge in their desires without facing any consequences. This message reflects the allure of instant gratification and the temptation to pursue personal satisfaction at any cost.
2. "You traded truth for Godless gain and no one will suspect, You're such a clever counterfeit of all that you reject":
Here, the song reveals the deceptive nature of the Pied Piper. He exchanges truth and righteousness for worldly gains, all while disguising himself as someone who opposes the very things he embodies. This message warns against false prophets and hypocritical individuals who lead others astray.
3. "Pied piper, playin' the tune they want to hear, Putting a tickle in their ear":
The chorus emphasizes the Pied Piper's tactic of playing the tune that appeals to the desires of his followers. He manipulates their emotions and tickles their ears with pleasing words, ultimately gaining their trust and allegiance. This message highlights the danger of being swayed by persuasive and manipulative individuals who cater to our desires rather than leading us towards truth.
4. "The sheep just sit there grinning as they listen to your lies, Never knowing when you pull the wool over their eyes":
In these lines, the song portrays the followers of the Pied Piper as naive and oblivious to his deceit. They remain ignorant of the fact that he is continually deceiving them, symbolized by the metaphor of pulling wool over their eyes. This message serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us to be discerning and cautious of those who seek to manipulate and deceive us.
5. "You've got them trained to say 'How high?' whenever you say 'Jump!', And those who disagree with you, you always seem to stump":
Here, the song exposes the extent of the Pied Piper's control over his followers. He has conditioned them to blindly obey his commands without question, while simultaneously silencing any dissenting voices. This message highlights the dangers of blind obedience and the suppression of critical thinking.
6. "You may not mean to harm a soul, you say you're innocent, But when the final tally comes, you made more than you spent":
In these lines, the song suggests that the Pied Piper may not have malicious intentions, but his actions ultimately result in harm and destruction. He accumulates personal gain at the expense of others, ultimately profiting from their vulnerability and blind trust. This message serves as a reminder of the consequences that can arise from following deceptive leaders.
Meaning and Inspiration:
The meaning of the song Pied Piper revolves around the concept of manipulation and deception. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blindly following charismatic leaders who prioritize personal gain over truth and righteousness. The inspiration behind the song may be drawn from various real-life scenarios where individuals have been led astray by charismatic figures, ultimately facing negative consequences.
Critical Analysis of Biblical Alignment:
Now, let's critically analyze the song's alignment with biblical principles. The story of the Pied Piper may not have direct biblical references, but the underlying themes and messages can be evaluated based on biblical teachings.
1. Deception and False Prophets:
The Bible warns against false prophets and those who deceive others. In 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, it states, "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light." The Pied Piper in the song embodies the characteristics of a false prophet, leading people astray with his deceptive tactics.
2. Discernment and Avoiding False Teachings:
In Romans 16:17, it says, "I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them." The song's message encourages listeners to exercise discernment and avoid being swayed by teachings that deviate from biblical truth.
3. Blind Obedience and Critical Thinking:
The Bible encourages believers to exercise critical thinking and not blindly follow others. In 1 Timothy 6:5, it warns against those who "imagines that godliness is a means of gain." The song's portrayal of blind obedience and the suppression of dissenting voices aligns with the biblical call to think critically and question teachings that contradict God's Word.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the song Pied Piper by Petra carries important messages about manipulation, deception, blind obedience, and the dangers of following false prophets. While the Pied Piper story may not have direct biblical references, the underlying themes and messages can be evaluated based on biblical teachings. The song serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us to exercise discernment, question deceptive teachings, and prioritize truth and righteousness.
