CATEGORIES » MEANING OF THE SONG

The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Chocolate Jesus" by the artist "Tom Waits"

In "Chocolate Jesus," Tom Waits uses irony and sarcasm to critique superficiality in religion and a consumerist approach to faith. The lyrical protagonist rejects traditional forms of worship – he doesn't attend church, pray, or study the Bible. Instead, he finds comfort and satisfaction in "Chocolate Jesus," a metaphor for material pleasure replacing spirituality.

"Zerelda Lee's Candy Kitchen" becomes a temple of sorts for the protagonist, a place where he indulges in instant gratification. Chocolate Jesus is not an object of religious worship but rather a symbol of empty consumption that brings only fleeting pleasure. He dismisses "Abba-Zabba" and "Almond Joy" – other candies – emphasizing his singular devotion to "Chocolate Jesus." The golden chalice – an allusion to biblical imagery of holiness and divine presence – pales in comparison to the allure of the chocolate idol.

The description of "Chocolate Jesus" in the final verses heightens the ironic effect. A savior wrapped in cellophane, melting like a "mud puddle," used as an ice cream topping – a grotesque image mocking the simplified and consumerist view of faith.

Overall, "Chocolate Jesus" is a sharp satire on consumer society, where material possessions supplant true values and spiritual guidance.

Don't go to church on Sunday

Don't get on my knees to pray

Don't memorize the books of the Bible

I got my own special way

But I know Jesus loves me

Maybe just a little bit more

I fall on my knees every Sunday

At Zerelda Lee's candy store

Well it's got to be a chocolate Jesus

Make me feel good inside

Got to be a chocolate Jesus

Keep me satisfied

Well I don't want no Abba Zabba

Don't want no Almond Joy

There ain't nothing better

Suitable for this boy

Well it's the only thing

That can pick me up

Better than a cup of gold

See only a chocolate Jesus

Can satisfy my soul

[Solo:]

When the weather gets rough

And it's whiskey in the shade

It's best to wrap your savior

Up in cellophane

He flows like the big muddy

But that's ok

Pour him over ice cream

For a nice parfait

Well it's got to be a chocolate Jesus

Good enough for me

Got to be a chocolate Jesus

Good enough for me

Well it's got to be a chocolate Jesus

Make me feel good inside

Got to be a chocolate Jesus

Keep me satisfied

More Articles
"Cemetery Polka" by Tom Waits is pure black humor, a grotesque depiction of a family whose family tree reads more like a list of diagnoses and vices. The title itself hints at a funeral, and the song's upbeat polka melody only adds to the effect of dark humor
In Tom Waits' "Blue Valentines," the blue valentines sent from Philadelphia represent a painful past that the lyrical protagonist tries to escape.Received annually, they serve as a stark reminder of a past love and broken promises
explanationThis Tom Waits song paints a picture of despair and lost dreams against the backdrop of a rainy Los Angeles.The lyrics tell a story of a young woman, likely a runaway or aspiring starlet, stuck on Hollywood and Vine, a place known for its broken dreams
Tom Waits' "A Good Man Is Hard to Find" is a darkly humorous meditation on loneliness, despair, and the fleeting nature of life, disguised as an ironic confession. The recurring refrain "A good man is hard to find, / All the faces in my bed are private" suggests a cynical attitude towards love and relationships
In his song "To You Alone," Tom Rosenthal contemplates love, life, and the search for meaning.The central theme is an appeal to an unknown force, perhaps a lover, fate, or life itself, for guidance and understanding
Tom Rosenthal's "Throw the Fear" is an uplifting ode to life, courage, and self-determination. It urges the listener, addressed as "darling," to cast away fear and take control of their own destiny
Feedback: mail@wikimeaning.com
Privacy Policy
Disclaimer
About Wikimeaning