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The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Past the Mission" by the artist "Tori Amos"

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Tori Amos's "Past the Mission" weaves a complex tapestry of faith, guilt, secrecy, and loss. The lyrics place us in the shoes of a narrator grappling with uncertainty and struggling to make sense of her reality. Let's break down the song's meaning:

The first verse sets the tone of ambiguity right away. The speaker expresses disbelief at how far she's come ("I don't believe I went so far"). While claiming to be ready, the object of her readiness remains unclear. The line "she said she knew my books were cooked" suggests a hidden truth, possibly a transgression the speaker is trying to conceal.

The recurring chorus, "Past the mission," can be interpreted metaphorically as a distance from faith, moral principles, or even society as a whole. "Outside the jailhouse" intensifies the feeling of despair and isolation. The image of a "hot girl" from the past likely symbolizes a more carefree time, contrasting sharply with the present. The line "they're closing in every hour" creates an atmosphere of anxiety, hinting at approaching danger or the inevitability of facing consequences. The scent of roses, traditionally associated with love and beauty, takes on a sinister undertone here, possibly implying that even beauty can conceal darkness.

The second verse introduces us to an enigmatic man who "everybody thinks they knew." The speaker admits to having wanted something from him but "bit her tongue," perhaps out of fear or guilt. His smile, her only memento, remains a cryptic clue to his true nature.

The third verse reveals the discovery of a body. Although there's uncertainty surrounding its identity ("they're not sure if it's his body"), his name is used, possibly to cover up the deceased's true identity. "She," who gave him shelter, clearly possesses valuable information and is complicit in the unfolding mystery.

Overall, "Past the Mission" is a dark and enigmatic song that leaves us with more questions than answers. Tori Amos masterfully utilizes symbolism and ambiguity to create an atmosphere of unsettling secrecy, prompting the listener to contemplate the boundaries of faith, guilt, and forgiveness.

I don't believe I went too far

I said I was willing

She said she knew what my books did not

I thought she knew what's up

Past the mission

Behind the prison door

Past the mission

I once knew a hot girl

Past the mission

They're closing every hour

Past the mission

I smell the roses

She said they all think they know him

Well she knew him better

Everyone wanted something from him

I did too but I shut my mouth

He just gave me a smile

Past the mission

Behind the prison door

Past the mission

I once knew a hot girl

Past the mission

They're closing every hour

Past the mission

I smell the roses

Past the mission

And I smell the roses

Hey they found a body

Not sure it was his

But they're using his name

And she gave him shelter

And somewhere I know she knows

Some things only she knows

[2x:]

Past the mission

Behind the prison door

Past the mission

I once knew a hot girl

Past the mission

They're closing every hour

Past the mission

I smell the roses

Past the mission

And I smell the roses

Past the mission

And I smell the roses

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