Lyrics for For the Widows in Paradise, for the Fath... as interpreted by antennas

For the Widows in Paradise, for the Fath... Lyrics
I've have called you children
I have called you son
What is there to answer
If I'm the only one
Morning comes in Paradise
Morning comes in light
Still I must obey
Still I must invite

If there's anything to say
If there's anything to do
I there's any other way
I'd do anything for you

I was dressed in embarassment
I was dressed in white
If you had a part of me
Will you take your time
Even if I come back
Even if I die
Is there some idea
To replace my life

Like a father to impress
Like a mother's mourning dress
If we ever make a mess
I'll do anything for you

I have called you preacher
I have called you son
If you have a father
Or if you haven't one
I'll do anything for you
I'll do anything for you
I'll do anything for you
I'll do anything for you
I'll do anything for you

I did everything for you
I did everything for you
I did everything for you
I did everything for you
I did everything for you
I did everything for you
I did everything for you
I did everything for you
I did everything for you
I did everything for you
I did everything for you
I did everything for you
I did everything for you
I did everything for you

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  • 125 Comments
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kristinakai
02-14-2007

Rated 0 
there is no need for anyone to be rude about what the song means to THEM. everyone is different and interprets things differently. if you want it to be about God then you can make it about God but if you dont then think of it as something else.

personally i see it as Jesus speaking to his children and telling us what he has done for us and proving his love for us.

Think of it how you want, there is no reason to attack anyone for their opinion even if you think its wrong. just respect each other

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sound-of-settling
02-18-2007

Rated 0 
I don't think it's about Jesus, but y'know, every song means different things to different people.

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vegetative_state
02-18-2007

Rated 0 
This song is so preety. I cant stop listening to it.

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fursoftasfur
02-21-2007

Rated 0 
looks like SOMEONE needs a little less anger and a little more jesus in their life (ahem, stranded..) ;)

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byebyebirdie58
02-24-2007

Rated 0 
I think this song refers to a lot of things, but I think a lot of it revolves around Christ.

And Sound-of-Setteling, I agree. That's the wonderful thing about music. It means something different to whoever interperates it. To me, this is about Jesus and needing a Father.

"Christianity is not just fire and brimstone" I agree with that too. While as Christians, we are not all "sugar coated" we are not fire and brimstone either. I'm not a big fan of Christian music becuase a lot of it does seem very "fluffed up". But Sufjan's defenitly an exception. His music makes me think of King David because it's so honest to God. I love it.

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AlanzoB
02-25-2007

Rated 0 
I'm not religious.

To me, this song reflects the incredibly inhuman task of trying, and trying, and trying, knowing that your efforts will probably fail.

The last reminder, "I did everything for you..." seems almost like an afterthought.

We humans are a selfish species.

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Stranded
03-21-2007

Rated 0 
I wasn't judging you for inflicting your own meanings onto the song, and, as a result, judging those who refused to see your Christian undertones.

I was mentioning that if you were actually literate, thinking people, you would notice that Sufjan had publicly stated that the song was not, in fact, Christian in its themes. Granted, you can extrapolate to make it about Jesus, but it wouldn't be the correct meaning of the song.

Go ahead and judge me, it just makes you even worse Christians. We all know only God can truly sit in the Throne of Judgment.

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Not_Ruth
04-21-2007

Rated 0 
this is by the BEST song I've ever heard.
or at least the prettiest.

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greeley
04-25-2007

Rated 0 
Hey Stranded? Do you have proof of him saying so or are you just trying to justify it having a themes other than Christian ones.

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Oobleshmerfadarkle
04-26-2007

Rated 0 
dude I don't like thinking about christianity or religion when I listen to this song. It's a beautiful song without thinking of jesus and his sacrifice.

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brain.damage
04-26-2007

Rated 0 
STOP IMPOSING JESUS ON ME IT MAKES ME UNCOMFORTABLE

this song is unspeakably beautiful.

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brain.damage
04-26-2007

Rated 0 
i like stranded and the dude with the fucked up user name above me

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greeley
04-28-2007

Rated 0 
Alright, this song is clearly based on the gospel, and is about Jesus Christ. You may choose to believe otherwise, but it makes no difference. 2000 years ago the Lord died on the cross for you and for me... This song is about how he gave everything he had, his life for us. He died, and defeated death for all of us. If Sufjan was an educated Christian (which he is) he would most certainly not make this song from any other view but that of Jesus'. For he would know that to say we've done everything for someone we'd have to live a sin free life, and give that life for the whole world so that they may not perish.

This song is wonderful, and it's a perfect depiction of the cross. You may become uncomfortable with religious topics, but what's better? A life of purpose? Or a life of comfort? Trust me, the two cannot completely co-exist... You make the choice. This song even talks about how Jesus was put through embarrassment... he was put on trial... he was crucified... his life was not comfortable... He didn't step down from God's plan just for comfort on earth and an eternity in hell. No, he had great purpose. This song depicts the purpose perfectly. . The gospel (translation meaning 'Good News') of Jesus Christ has every bit to do with this song.

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brain.damage
05-19-2007

Rated 0 
see, greeley, this is where youre dumb. i happen to not believe in christain traditions. in person, i would mock your entire belief system. nothing personal, but organized religions, (especially religions that were traditionally used to control people rather than to better tham [check out what the catholic church was up to around the dark ages... they were promoting illiteracy because they didnt want people to interpret the bible for themselves]) really just are rather primitive and annoying.

sure, jesus was a fine philosopher. no, he was not the son of god. and no, he did not die for me. get the fuck out of my face.

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ladynightblade
05-23-2007

Rated 0 
I'd like to say first and foremost, because apparently this is a hot subject, I AM NOT IN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR FORM A CHRISTIAN. I AM AM AGNOSTIC; I AM NOT ATTATCHED TO ANY FAITH.
Ahem.
I think this song, while it can be applied to other things, does seem to have Christian undertones, for many reasons I won't detail as most have already been listed. I am not illiterate, I have read what Sufjan said about this song, but I believe, like all great art, this song has multiple meanings. If it only meant one thing, Sufjan would be a pretty shitty songwriter. It could be, and probably is, about many different themes and ideas, and one of them appears to be about Jesus on the cross. Make of this what you will, but please don't attack me for expressing a viewpoint. I am not trying to force religious doctrine on anybody, I just think Sufjan seems like a brillant songwriter who is clearly deeply connected to his faith. I forgive him, he makes damn pretty music

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shayna888
06-24-2007

Rated 0 
i want to start by saying i would love this song no matter its true meaning. it being a religious song doen't bother, but i personally don't believe it is about religion specifically.

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shayna888
06-24-2007

Rated 0 
so anyway..this si what i think. i believe it is a sort of story about someone who is dieing..specifically the narrators father.

it mentions "mother's morning dress" and "father to impress"
and "son"

this makes me believe his father is or has died) and like most children they want to make parents proud.. hell "do anything" or perhaps he is saying do anything to keep him alive or happy before he must go


also..."I was dressed in embarassment
I was dressed in white" would be innapropriate for a funeral.. maybe he is saying that he did not fullfill what he
wanted to before the father died.

i dont want to write an essay here so ill finish butmy point is..there are some religious references..but the theme of the song i believe to be a death of a father and the need to "do everything" for him

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primaryteeth
06-25-2007

Rated 0 
I get chills every time I listen to the end, when he says "I did everything for you." Really powerful song, one of my favorites by far.

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treebuckaloo123
07-04-2007

Rated 0 
What he said about "Michigan has Paradise as well as Hell Michigan" makes me think of the book East of Eden by J.Steinbeck. About how we all have experianced mourning, disappointment, and heartache, yet it's our choice to make a 'paradise' about it or a 'hell'. The widows, who have obviously undergone extreme pain chose to make a paradise and hope out of their distress.

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malvinator
07-26-2007

Rated 0 
did anyone notice that it could just as easily be either, "mo(u)rning comes in paradise, mo(u)rning comes in light"?

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malvinator
07-26-2007

Rated 0 
did anyone notice that it could just as easily be either, "mo(u)rning comes in paradise, mo(u)rning comes in light"?

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lewwiie
08-14-2007

Rated 0 
I think this song is beautiful because, when interpteted as it being about Jesus, it makes it relational. I think what is lacking alot with Christianity today is that it doesn't feel real or relational. It just seems like it has become a formula people try to sell. But i don't think the way humans have handled Christianity necessarily disproves it as a belief system. I think it just shows how we're flawed as people. I think this song makes Jesus feel more real than any sermon I have heard or anything. It makes him seem more human, and because of that, this love he has for us seems even the more inviting.

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Maenos
09-06-2007

Rated 0 
My friends, I see that this has become more of a religous debate, instead of a song meaning. Sufjan's meaning is clearly stated. His reasons and inspirations are his own. As I type this message, I can clearly see in the text box above me, "What does this song mean to you?" We know Sufjan's reasons and his meanings, but the point of this site is to discuss what it means to each of us. Like a piece art it can mean many things. I agree with alot of the statements about religon. I have long suffered the pains of oraganized religon, but I can also tell you I have found a life that has worth and meaning and love in Christ Jesus. Not in a religon, but in a life along side him. I am not here to bible bash and yell at everyone. Jesus was persecuted by the religous leaders of his time, and I find it by no means a coincidence that if a "christian" doesn't fit the mold of what they should be, they are excommunicated. Church isn't about a building, or wearing a tie. Going to church doesn't make me a christian, Just like standing in a garage doesn't make me a car. I can't find anywhere in the scripture where it talks about denominations, wearing a suit, going to church on sunday. I mean the real sabath falls on Saturday, Shabot! I do agree with those who claim they are tired of Jesus being shoved down their throats. I, as a christian who love Jesus, Apologize for the wrongs that we as the body of Christ has commited against you. I can't speak for everyone, but for me. I'm here to love, without walls. I am so sorry for judging people, I am so sorry for turning my back on people and giving Jesus a bad name. I'm sorry that people have been mistreated by Christians. This isn't about religon, not for me. Religon kills. (Jesus was put to death by the Rabbis of his time) You might not agree with everything I stand for and believe. That doesn't matter to me. I am here to fill any need I can and to Love with all my heart. Jesus had a message, he didn't want it crammed down peoples throats. Or yelled at them. He went to them and cared for them. He met where they were often times, dirty, alone, looked down upon. Christians today need to step down off their horses and go to the people. We should stand for serving. Who will the greatest in the Kingdom, The Door servant. The last shall be first. He who lays down his own life. I'm not here for me. I'm here for you. and I am so sorry for everyone that has been gilted by a christian.

This song is really beautiful. It captures my heart, it tastes of an old dirt road where I grew up, on the farm. It sings of sadness and hope. It touches my heart. Thank you for reading. I hope this finds you well.

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LightsFadingEast
09-08-2007

Rated 0 
Although im an atheist, and usually I dont like Christian themed lyrics, Sufjan is an exception. I really dont think he's being preachy or sanctimonious ever, alot of his religious songs are as infused with doubt as they are with conviction.

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veronda
09-20-2007

Rated 0 
I wonder if "a mother's morning dress" should be "mourning dress". This could be a contrast to the "i was dressed in white" statement, reflecting the black attire of a funeral. Plus I have no idea what a morning dress would be...

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