The band empathizes with a girl forced to grow up in a dysfunctional family (“Sister”), and longs for racial equality and brotherhood among mankind (“One”). The social commentary “In America” looks askance at abortion, hypocrisy, the worship of money and promiscuity. Otherwise fatalistic, “My Own Prison” acknowledges Christ’s sacrifical death as the pathway to eternal life.
Bitter disillusionment is manifested in numerous lyrics confessing misery (“Torn”), anger (“One”) and hopelessness (“Illusion”). “Pity for a Dime” finds lead vocalist Scott Stapp wallowing in self-doubt and denial, confessing a loss of faith. “Ode” expresses self-destructive nihilism. There’s also a profane use of God’s name on “What’s This Life For.”
Lots of searching, but positive statements are well overshadowed by an outright rejection of biblical truth. Stapp says, “If it weren’t for music, I might have ended up some crazed street preacher. Rock-n-roll is my religion.” Not exactly the narrow path. Keep teens out of Prison.
