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Books Are Burning Lyrics

Artist: XTC
Album: Nonsuch

Books are burning
In the main square, and I saw there
The first eating the text
Books are burning
In the still air
And you know where they burn books
People are next
I believe the printed word should be forgiven
Doesn't matter what it said
Wisdom hotline from the dead back to the living
Key to the larder for your heart and head
Books are burning
In our own town, watch us turn 'round
And cast our glances elsewhere
Books are burning
In the playground
Smell of burnt book is not unlike human hair
I believe the printed word is more than sacred
Beyond the gauge of good or bad
The human right to let your soul fly free and naked
Above the violence of the fearful and sad
The church of matches
Anoints in ignorance with gasoline
The church of matches
Grows fat by breathing in the smoke of dreams
It's quite obscene
Books are burning
More each day now, and I pray now
You boys will tire of these games
Books are burning
I hope somehow, this will allow
A phoenix up from the flames

Comments/Interpretations

by freddietheone on 9/22/2009 12:00pm
Books are burning in the main square and I saw there, the FIRE eating the text...

Wisdom hotline from the dead back to the living, key to ORDER for your heart and YOUR head...

is what is sung. A wonderful song, one of my favourites. So very true. And sad.

by Simonesque on 3/18/2013 4:36pm
Yeah, this song so perfectly fits Fahrenheit 451. Just so much. Even a phoenix reference, as in the book. My teacher shall be veeery pleased. Extraordinary song, in any case.