The Sword of God

God and the Soul, pg. 85

Lyrics

Outside the holy city 'cross the sand Charged crusaders with swords in hand Above his head, one swung a holy sword Which was inscribed with its maker's name The logic of the invincible sword was clear and sharp And it served its maker whose name was written on its blade

Retreat in the holy city from attack As true believers, the Muslims were prepared The Muslim champions came running down During the battle, one's felled to the ground The crusader came wielding the invincible, magic sword And the Muslims saw that it was inscribed with the name of God

"Sword," he cried, "can you strike a true believer? Do you not know the name written on your blade?" The sword replied, "I know nothing but to strike straight" "Strike then, in the name of God!"

Logic is not partisan and it knows nothing but to strike straight, to strike straight And the sword is invincible and it bares its maker's name, its maker's name, its maker's name

Chronology

• Born in Flames
  • Mayo Thompson - vocals, guitar
  • Lora Logic - saxophone
  • Gina Birch - bass
  • Epic Soundtracks - drums
  • Kangaroo? (cassette only)
  • Singles

Interpretations

The song is based on a passage in the 1969 book God and the Soul by Peter Geach

In a Muslim story, a fallen champion saw a Crusader wielding against him a magic invincible sword bearing the name of God: ‘Sword’ he cried ‘can you strike a true believer? Do you not know the name on your blade?’ 'I know nothing but to strike straight', the sword replied. 'Strike then, in the name of God!' Logic is not partisan, and knows nothing but to strike straight; but the sword is invincible, bearing the Maker’s name.

The story may have been inspired by the mythical sword Zulfiqar.

The press release for the single states that the song is "about the nature of Logic".