Devil In A Midnight Mass by Billy Talent

Album: Billy Talent II (2006)

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This song is about a priest who molests children. He asks forgiveness for his sins, but is denied:

The Holy Water in his hands
Could never wash away his sins >>>
Suggestion credit:
Ryan - Ottawa, Canada
When we spoke with Billy Talent's frontman Ben Kowalewicz in 2016, he revealed how this tune was created. "'Devil in a Midnight Mass' has that crazy distorted guitar riff at the beginning," he said. "It was dark and evil so that's how that song came about. It's ironic in a lot of ways because that movie Spotlight that just came out was about what we talked about 10 years ago, and I think it's great that they exposed it on a giant scale. It was a good film as well."
This song contains one of the more notoriously misheard lyrics in the Billy Talent canon. Ben Kowalewicz told us that a friend of his brother-in-law came up to him after the album was released and said, "Man, that 'Devil in a Midnight Mass' song, that's my jam, man! 'Friday night for the rest of my life!' I relate to that, man!'"

The actual lyric is "Silent night for the rest of my life," so Ben broke the news to him: "It's about priests molesting children, so maybe that's not your 'jam.'"

Comments: 15

Dennis from Toronto, OnSpecifically the Priest in California. Video was filmed in an Anglican Church who need the Pipe Organ fixed.
V-starr from ??????, Mii like this song... if it wasn't for mcr, i wouldn't know who this alwsome band existed
Bob from Ottawa, Canadathis song is about a priest who molests children i learned that on thier site
Carrie from -------, MsFor all those who dont like it- I want to see you make a better song. They are way more talented than most bands. Its not just taken from a newspaper or whatever. And their lyrics are very poetic and good.
Emma from Brisbane, AustraliaThis song is toatlly awesome i love the talent (billy talent)WHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
Scotty from Spokane, WaThe song is about the priests and sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. And only now do I realize somebody else has already posted this, so nevermind.
Graeme from Carluke, ScotlandI read it was only 150... but that's still a lot. And, Billy Talent said that, so it's true.
Sabine from Cologne, GermanyI think Billy Talent did great with the Song. As already said it is about a priest who abused a lot of children... The Music(Melody) represents such a horroble thing in an convincing way...Like that Song and his intention...
Damien from Edmonton, CanadaIt's about a boston priest who molested 350 children.
Ashley from Edmonton, CanadaThey are a political band. They write about things that make them, and many others 'tick'. I find the way the song sounds suitable, because child abuse can make one angry.

As for Billy Talent's career, they've been playing for more than 10 years as a band. They've *just* made it big. I'd say it's just the beginning for them, unless Ben decides to give it up.
Sean from Plymouth, MiI actually liked it. Very energetic.
Douglas from WaterlooFar as I'm concerned, this song was the beginning of the end for Billy Talent.
Brandon from Saskatoon, Canadaya it's actually kind of annoying how billy talent just takes an article out of the newspaper and makes a song out of it and then through the song they make it seem like such a huge thing with loud music. they did the exact same thing with nothing to lose. these may be serious things, but think about it... like... whoa
Clare from Hmilton, CanadaThis song is specifically about the abuse within the catholic church
Mark from Ontario, CanadaThe song is about Child abuse, mainly Sexual abuse of children.

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