Religous Meaning behind Angel's Wings

I'd just like to say first of all, that I recently accepted Jesus Christ into my life. With such songs as the New Angel's Wings. I find it very inspiring. Does anyone know if Mike belives in Jesus Christ? I think its very obvious from alot of his music, I would just like to confirm somehow?

Also request for future SD songs. I love songs like Angel's Wings, but I love stuff like "Don't Take me for Granted". But recently being born agained, I crunge like superman does to kryptonite when the "F" word is used in that song. Could it be possible to make "cleaner" songs for future albums or make 2 versions?

Sounds like you'd dig the radio-edit of Don't Take Me For Granted.

i think mike does. Based off of lyrics, images he chooses to use, and some tattoos (sacred heart and the like).

As far as F bombs go, i'd look for radio versions of any particular songs if they bother you. But i wouldnt get your hopes up on mike to refrain from them.

Yeah thats an option... Its not that Bad... Mike's not been one to cus alot I think in studio releases. I guess it happens more live. But anyone who knows whos been born again, it's alot different now. Things I used to do, I have no desire at all anymore, and its just hard to explain. Alot of music I use to listen to , I wont ever. But I think it's pretty obvious where Mike stands.. I just looking for some kinda confirmation. I did read he had alto of relgious and/or cross type things in his home, and I think I can even remember a pic or interview long time ago showing something to that effect. But I can't be sure.

Heres some of how the lyrics having meaning to me...

"You say you're down on your luck
hey baby, its a long, long way up
hold back now, hold back your fears"

This kinda symbolizes to me that when somone is down , they look up. Thats usually when someone comes to Jesus, as when they hit a bottom or crossroads. And Jesus tells us not to Fear.

"How many times have you asked yourself
is this the hand of fate that I've been dealt?
you're so disillusioned this can't be real
and you can't stand now the way you feel"

This even more confirms that crossroad position.

"I don't care about what they say
I won't live or die that way"

This tells me what Christians must do in todays society. To Stand up, don't do "Whats Popular", dont live or more imporantley die that way, but to live for God and do whats right, even when its not "cool" amoung piers.

"tired of figuring out things on my own
angel's wings wont you carry me home"

This describes to me, when you get that point, to accept Jesus, that you are tried of living your life yourself, that you give total surrender to him, and let him come into your life, and live it the way he wants. Believe me he will come if you ask.

"I don't care about what they say
I'm gonna marry you some day
go ahead and wake up, its a brand new day
Angel's wings gonna carry you away
Angel's wings are going to carry me away
Angel's wings are going to carry us away"

But then he references to a woman. I'm not sure how that fits into the picture, but what I think, or what it would mean to me, would the love of his wife, is his "treasure" God gives him for being rigeitous here on earth. Then he gives reference to carry him, then her, then us away, Away being to Heaven.

Its very inspiring to me.. In church they are singing gosepl songs, but when I invision a new church, I invision songs like Angels wings being preformed with electirc Guitars and such or Acoustic. There is one church we go to that does play modern music in the church servie with electric guitars,etc. One of my goals I like to learn to play guitar this year, and someday be able to preform Angel's wings or a similar song just around here for locals.

But anyways, the search lead me to the meaning of the song. Is when I started researcing the bible, and how it was truely inspired word of God. I have a brother that hasnt accepted Jesus yet, and somehow I felt this was a key to all of it. Like everthing happens for a reason.. But how I could interpert something, and someone else could interpert it differently, but even with the orignal, only the author can give the true inspiried meaning of the song.

Just curious is all..

God Bless,
Python

I've read in interviews not only with Mr. Ness himself but also with Dennis and Johnny that he (Mike) isn't into religion per se but is very spiritual and very fascinated in various religious icons for what they represent in the broader sense.
While I am not a Christian personally, I think it's awesome that you have a positive guiding force in your life.
I can relate with you in that once a power greater than myself came into my life songs like "Untitled" became much more to me than just great songs. After much discussion, some friends and I came to the belief that that song was untitled because his higher power didn't have a specific name... just our theory.
But then again, that song was written over ten years ago...
Keep the faith!

Mike said in an interview that he changed the lyrics of Angels Wings because he wanted people to relate to it in different ways not just one. For some people it could be religious and for some it can not

<font color="#FFFF00" size="1">[ January 24, 2006 10:58 PM: Message edited by: RoadZOmbie ]</font>

ok i'm sorry but i've never understood why religious people are so offended by the word fuck. no disciple, apostle, or anyone related to jesus was named fuck. it's not taking anyone's name in vain. it's just another word we invented and people decided it was dirty.

to find it offensive fine, but i don't see how it is offensive on a religious basis.

I remember when Mike would sing the old version of the song with some different lyrics and talk about how when he wrote the song he was thinking about children who have had it rough and been overlooked or foresaken. Although Mike changed the lyrics to relate to a broader audience and to keep in upbeat tone with the rest of the CD I always see the song with this original intent in mind. So I always look at the song as someone who has had a really painful childhood and thus is prone to cope with dysfunctional tendencies and a life of painful memories. Yet, always with the hope that some concept of God/Angels will make it better either now or in the hereafter.

I, too, am under the impression that Mike once said in an interview that he is "spiritual" but not in a religious kind of way.
I also remember that he once said that most of the tunes that made it onto WLWHWT were (partly) written in churches because Mike apparently likes religious icons and their suffering for the cause...
And the good thing about lyrics is that everyone can interpret them the way they like...hear some rigious undertones or not is up to oneself to decide.

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Originally posted by Mudd:
I remember when Mike would sing the old version of the song with some different lyrics and talk about how when he wrote the song he was thinking about children who have had it rough and been overlooked or foresaken. Although Mike changed the lyrics to relate to a broader audience and to keep in upbeat tone with the rest of the CD I always see the song with this original intent in mind. So I always look at the song as someone who has had a really painful childhood and thus is prone to cope with dysfunctional tendencies and a life of painful memories. Yet, always with the hope that some concept of God/Angels will make it better either now or in the hereafter.

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<font size="2" face="verdana, arial">I have heard the original from a live recording but havent really analyzed it yet. But I think the same message is still there. He just cleaned it up to make it reach larger audiences. The same message is still there I believe.

To me, I believe Mike Ness is a modern day prophet. Lets face it, we could been listening to bands that promote the devil or evil ways. They are all around us. I think Mike has showed in his songs, that he wants to do what is right, over wrong. Even when its not cool. And thats a Good Message to send to todays Kids. When there is so music out there telling us to do the opposite. His music has definatley helped me keep focus over the years, even tho I was a heavy partier at times. His music helped me stay on course to the day I accepted Jesus Christ into my life. And now with songs like Angels Wings, its very very touching to me.

God Bless You Mike Ness!!! And All your Fans!!

Congrads on accepting Christ! I'm a fellow Christian too. Social D. has always had religious themes in their music. Former bassist Johnny Maurer is a strong Christian. I know that Charlie Q. is a Catholic - just look at the sticker on his bass drum and all the Catholic candles on the drum riser. As far as "TwoBags" and Harding I believe that are too Christians as well. Geekgirl can definetly confirm her husband. "TwoBags" signs a curifix when he signs something.

Thanks for the comment. It definatley makes me rest easier. To know Mike and them will be in Heaven one day. It also helps my concious on continuing to listen to their great music.

I'll still take Black Sabbath over Creed any day.

yeah i dont really think mike is gonna stop using the word "FUCK" and i dont think he should he is an artist and whatever he says is ok with me. would you tell Van Gough to stop saying fuck?

This kinda makes me think of the bit on religion in Another State Of Mind.

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Originally posted by Playpen Sxdx:
This kinda makes me think of the bit on religion in Another State Of Mind.

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<font size="2" face="verdana, arial">I remember watching the re-relase of Another State of Mind, and I belive it was in Youth Brigades commentary, that the religion part in that video was all madeup and staged.

yup

could just be me, but...

maybe the PORTRAIT OF CHRIST on his chest gives it away.

we may never know....

I also see all sorts of spiritual stuff in his lyrics, and the struggles he's has had with "the light and the dark side". As he's sang, with his eyes he's looked the devil in the face, and seen God's Holy Grace.

The Church I go to plays sort of modern stuff, but a bit too folky for my tastes, and all praise and happiness. I sit there thinking I'd rather hear some of SD's more "religious songs", or songs like Johnny Cash's "When the Man Comes Around".

As far as his F-Bombs, they don't bother me all that much. Yeah, I guess it would be better if he didn't use them, but it's not Blasphemy as far as I'm concerned.

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Originally posted by deadliner:
I also see all sorts of spiritual stuff in his lyrics, and the struggles he's has had with "the light and the dark side". As he's sang, with his eyes he's looked the devil in the face, and seen God's Holy Grace.

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<font size="2" face="verdana, arial">Yeah theres alot more then I have noticed. I can go back and listen to a song now and find spirtual reference in it where I never noticed before as an unbeliever.

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Originally posted by deadliner:

The Church I go to plays sort of modern stuff, but a bit too folky for my tastes, and all praise and happiness. I sit there thinking I'd rather hear some of SD's more "religious songs", or songs like Johnny Cash's "When the Man Comes Around".

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<font size="2" face="verdana, arial">Thats the way I am thinking... But this service we go to on thursday night, their band had this guitar player. He influenced them to rock it up some.. There for a while, they almost sounded like Green Day in some of their songs. It was definatley a version of what I would call punk. But they have toned it down some now. But they played the other night, "Livin on a Prayer" by BonJovi, live in service. Don't get me wrong I'm no Bon Jovi fan, but obviously someone was inspired enuf in the band that they wanted to bring that to the service. Thats more the style the guitar player was in.. But he's left for school now, so I'm not sure how the band is going to sound now.. But I thought it was cool tho that they felt comfortable enuff to play it live in a service. When i say play it, I mean preformed, not jsut played the bon jovi cd.

On a side note, when viewing the "When the Angels Sing" video, I saw the crosses and such. but also it shows the camera going by a picture of Elvis Presley. Among others, like Marther Luther king. It goes by quick, so I had to pause,go back etc.. I've saw alot of Mikes other influences (Johnny Cash,Jerry Reed,etc), but often wondered how he felt about Elvis. Which I consider Elvis the king of rock and roll, but all this was coming out before my time. But I remember loving Elvis as a kid. I guess Mike does consider elvis somewhat an influence to show his picture in one of his videos.

I just hope they will do a Video for "Angels' Wings". Right now unless I change my mind, I would want "When the Angel's Sing" and "Angel's Wings" both played at my funeral (whenever that maybe, 5 years from now, 20 years, or tommorrow). I thought better yet, if they could display it in video form it would be even cooler (as there already is a video for when the angels sing). But I'd have to carefully consider it to make sure it would be approprate.

ive got a good idea,we should enlist tipper gore and censor all of the social d songs.she can go back 27 years and fix all of the songs.
Mikes got the same problem we all have.devil on his left shoulder,jesus on his right.i was saved 20 years ago,its a constant battle.unless hes putting out a gospel album,chill out
and 4 the guy thats giving a verse 4 verse interpretation of when the angels sing,GET REAL.
That song means be strong at times that r tough.mikes life story.I could throw down some gg allin lyrics and relate them to the bible.your all scarin me.
Seperation of church and state.

next thing u know,youll all be askin for 10 percent

i couldnt agree more jonny

I think if hes religious about anything, its his AA/NA.
I also think that hes very happy that hes inspired people with his lyrics, and thats the point, but some of you guys are reading way too far into this.
To state what is obvious to what I've seen, Mauer was the only one that was a hardcore Christian.
Regardless they have all been on the road for almost a year and a half straight... they're not stopping in random towns pulling the bus up to church on Sundays.
Love for God (higher power, etc) comes from within ones self, Religion comes from with out.
Religion is quite fascinating, but not to be taken too seriously... haha!! Just messin around...to each their own.

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Originally posted by Erica S:
I think if hes religious about anything, its his AA/NA.
I also think that hes very happy that hes inspired people with his lyrics, and thats the point, but some of you guys are reading way too far into this.
To state what is obvious to what I've seen, Mauer was the only one that was a hardcore Christian.
Regardless they have all been on the road for almost a year and a half straight... they're not stopping in random towns pulling the bus up to church on Sundays.
Love for God (higher power, etc) comes from within ones self, Religion comes from with out.
Religion is quite fascinating, but not to be taken too seriously... haha!! Just messin around...to each their own.

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<font size="2" face="verdana, arial">im with her....lol

some people take religion TOO seriously! but yeah like she said...to each their own

I was wondering if anybody had the version of Angel's Wings with the original lyrics? If so, please PM me--- I gotta hear it!

I certainly don't see any religious meaning behind the song. But then I'm very against all religion. Having said that, just because a member of a band might be Christian, or any other religion, I'm not going to hate them purely because of that. So, while I think Creed are a load of whining, arrogant, self-superior tossers, I love Seemless, the frontman (Jesse Deavid Leach) being a Christian. If Mike's a Christian or not, I don't care. He writes good songs.

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Originally posted by Python423:

"You say you're down on your luck
hey baby, its a long, long way up
hold back now, hold back your fears"

This kinda symbolizes to me that when somone is down , they look up. Thats usually when someone comes to Jesus, as when they hit a bottom or crossroads. And Jesus tells us not to Fear.

Python

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<font size="2" face="verdana, arial">Jesus calls people "baby" when he's saving them? What sort of messiah is he?

This is probably one of my favorite songs on SL&RR; I never realized that there was a live version with alternate lyrics. I was wondering if someone could send me the live, early version of the song and/or post the original lyrics--- I would be most appreciative!

Well after posting this question, I realized the answer was obvious and right in front of me. Its obvious Mike is a Christian (Believer in Jesus Christ) with the Jesus Portrait tatoo, and the many many many references in his songs.. Also go listen to "House of Gold" on his solo Album "Under the Influence". Tho I'm sure this is a cover, He wouldn't sing it if it wasn't from his heart. Or was an "Unbeliever" (nonChristian). As far as it being a "private matter", I disagree. ANY true Christian is not ashamed to say so. And Will proudly say so. As for you nonChristians out there, who look up to Mike, start listening to his songs a little closer and listening to the lyrics and analyize them. Then as Mike would say, "Follow your Leader".

Peace be with all of you,
Python

the only time I heard Mike say "follow your leader" was on the live in OC DVD when he was urging believers in white supremacy to "follow their leader" and shoot themselves in the head...

<font color="#FFFF00" size="1">[ January 31, 2006 05:07 PM: Message edited by: Jonny_0110 ]</font>

hey listen python im glad you "found jesus" and all but dont push your fucking religion on me

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Originally posted by Jonny_0110:
the only time I heard Mike say "follow your leader" was on the live in OC DVD when he was urging believers in white supremacy to "follow their leader" and shoot themselves in the head...

<font color="#FFFF00"><font size="1">[ January 31, 2006 05:07 PM: Message edited by: Jonny_0110 ]</font></font>

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<font size="2" face="verdana, arial">Thats where I heard it. And I'd say its safe to say he's used that line more then one occasion. As he often repeats his sayings from show to show. If Mike is your hero, like he is mine. With SD being my all time favorite band and I admire Mike with great respect. He if is that kinda figure for you, then following his lead will lead you in the right direction.

Far as Christianity,
Christianity is not a religion; it is a relationship with God. It is trusting in Jesus and what He did on the cross for you (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), not on what you can do for yourself (Ephesians 2:8-9). Christianity is not about ornate buildings, flamboyant preachers, or traditional rituals. Christianity is about truly accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior. I'm not talking any sub demoniation, Cathalolic,Methodist,Church of Christ,etc. Simply a Christian.

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Originally posted by mykbyk95:
...Mikes lyrics can relate to anyone in the way that fits their life. His lyrics to me have always been about lyrical inspiration taken from his battles with drinking and drugs, hard times, & love & pain that alot of people can relate with.

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<font size="2" face="verdana, arial">I'm with you.
I still maintain that use of religious metaphors and/ or imagery is not neccesarily indicative of one's beliefs. I mean, I don't know whether heaven and hell exist or not but I still describe a good backrub as "heavenly" and tell some fucker who cuts me off in traffic to "go to hell".
Additionally, my wife, who HATES all religion and is adamant that Jesus was on par with David Koresh, has a tat of Mary covering her back along with religious candles and art all over our house...

Man, I thought this topic had died off. I guess not- it's back with a vengeance!
This could go on forever.

python could you drop this? your not changing any of our ideas on religion so give it up. and you say to follow mike and we will be on the right track? so does this mean become alcoholics and heroin addicts before we figure out what we should do?

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Originally posted by social_d_fan01:
python could you drop this? your not changing any of our ideas on religion so give it up. and you say to follow mike and we will be on the right track? so does this mean become alcoholics and heroin addicts before we figure out what we should do?

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<font size="2" face="verdana, arial">We are all sinners my friend. We have all been there.. The "Good News" is no matter what we have done, Jesus will forgive us. He died for our sins. You've heard the saying, you don't do wrong and get by right? Sin doesn't go unpunished. Thats why Jesus paid for our sin. Mike put it best in a recent interview where he was reviewing the new johnny cash movie. You have to show the ugliness of ones self, to see the true beauty. I can relate to that, I think everone can. We can relate to someone who's done the same things we have. More so then can we relate to someone who claims to be perfect. The good news is, no matter what we have done, we can be forgiven and our place in heaven can be secure. I'm not trying to preach to anyone. I posted this message to begin with, because it was part of an experiment to show how a song or even a written text, can be interperted different ways, but only the author can say for sure how and why it was inspired. It's obvious from Mike's Life that he has changed over the years. His music is his life story. It's obvious from his music where his faith is.

ok everyone after having a conversation with python i realized what i said was kind of outta line and i would like to appologize for my previous statements. i see his point of view now i just seemed like he was preaching to me and i dont like that but now i see that is not what he was trying to do, so everyone lets cut the man some slack i think him finding guidence is a very good thing although not my religion i am happy for him and you all should be too

LOL....damn I thought this thread was gone, guess he wants to keep on preaching...can you please just put a sock in it....we get it, you accepted the long haired dude into your life....to be honest we don't really care, well I dont....but to each their own