They Might Be Giants – Kiss Me, Son Of God

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I built a little empire out of some crazy garbage
Called the blood of the exploited working class
But they've overcome their shyness
Now they're calling me Your Highness
And a world screams, "Kiss me, Son of God"

I destroyed a bond of friendship and respect
Between the only people left who'd even look me in the eye
Now I laugh and make a fortune
Off the same ones that I tortured
And a world screams, "Kiss me, Son of God"

I look like Jesus, so they say
But Mr. Jesus is very far away
Now you're the only one here who can tell me if it's true
That you love me and I love me

I built a little empire out of some crazy garbage
Called the blood of the exploited working class
But they've overcome their shyness
Now they're calling me Your Highness
And a world screams, "Kiss me, Son of God"
Yes a world screams, "Kiss me, Son of God"

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Lyrics submitted by qshapadooy

Track duration: 01:53

"Kiss Me, Son of God" as written by John S./flansburgh Linnell

Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

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Kiss Me, Son Of God song meanings
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14 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment:It's a critique of corporatism and greed. I just saw a TMBG show and John Flansburgh said he was a bit of communist, and that makes sense here. The speaker of this song dismisses the "exploited working class" which Communists are wont to dwell on. It's not about a religious figure per se, but it is a satire about society's religious-like devotion to successful corporations.
    Flag reubencoon November 29, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:one of the best songs by tmbg. about the hypocrisy of christianity.
    Lets Build an Empire (big church) out of the garbage (offerings) and let them scream KISS ME JESUS (son of god).
    Flag bdbthinker77on October 09, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Read "Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad.... If you have read the book, you will realize that this song has no other explanation than a reflection from the point of view of the book's mysterious Mr. Kurtz.
    Flag fungusoflanneryon July 23, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:This song is a perfect descriptor of Ronald Reagan.
    Flag Stolenbuson July 14, 2009   Link
    • 1 Reply
  • 0
    General Comment:Awesome observation LucklessPedestrian. I feel exactly the same way. When I first heard this song I thought of Wal-Mart. It'd be cool to see some sort of parody/documentary style music vid of the creator of Wal-Mart.
    Flag mGorillaon August 26, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I really don't think this song is about religion. It seems to me to be more about a person in power either in a totalitarian or facist government, or possibly a corporation. The "son of god"reference is simply to show the ego and narcissism of the subject.
    Flag LucklessPedestrianon June 26, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I like to imagine that this song is about Paul. But then again, I really don't like Paul.
    Flag Archaia Sophiaon May 02, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:yep2u 4mcish
    Flag Mr. Baconon April 18, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I think this song is about Communism. Or maybe the old Monarchies where the kings and queens claimed they were ordained by God. Anyways...

    "built a little empire out of some crazy garbage
    Called the blood of the exploited working class" - The leader built the empire by using the working class at their disposal through war, labor, whatever.

    "But they've overcome their shyness
    Now they're calling me Your Highness
    And a world screams, "Kiss me, Son of God"" - The people revere the leader as royalty or divinity.

    "I destroyed a bond of friendship and respect
    Between the only people left who'd even look me in the eye
    Now I laugh and make a fortune
    Off the same ones that I tortured
    And a world screams, "Kiss me, Son of God"" - The leader becomes corrupt and cares only about their own comfortable lifestyle and their power. Everyone else in the government fears the leader. The leader now uses the poeple only for money and wealth.

    "I look like Jesus, so they say
    But Mr. Jesus is very far away" - The leader uses "divine right" to rule but secretly admits it's not true.
    "Now you're the only one here who can tell me if it's true
    That you love me and I love me" - The vanity of the leader thinking everyone loves him and how he only loves himself.

    Anyways this song is way cool!
    Flag 4MeClarityIsHeavenon February 26, 2006   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:While I'm all in favour of intelligent debates talking about the problem with mainstream religions, I think this song is more specifically about an individual with power, whether it be religious or political (JFK was revered as a "man of God", but was not a priest). This person is loving the power he has, and is building his empire (possibly profits) from the hard work of those beneath him.

    By the way, the song was written years before GWB was in office. It was on the album Lincoln, which was released in 1989, which I think was shortly before Dubya's Daddy took office, so the song was likely written when Regan (RIP) was in charge.
    Flag UglinessManon January 10, 2005   Link

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