The Fallen

Album: You Could Have It So Much Better (2005)
Charted: 14
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Lead singer Alex Kapranos: "This song is about someone I know coming back as the reincarnation of Christ, and imagining what they would do. In this my case turning water into wine and getting it on with Mary Magdalene."

    Mary Magdalene was one of Jesus' followers and is mentioned often throughout the Gospels. She was present at Jesus' crucifixion and was the first person to witness his resurrection three days later.
  • The lyrics, "So I'm sorry if I ever resisted. I never had a doubt that you ever existed, I only have a problem when people insist on taking their hate and placing it on your name" is about people insulting Christ. The lyrics, "Flinging out the fish and unleavened" talks about Christ feeding the 5,000. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Benjamin - Richmond, VA
  • Alex Kapranos interest in Christianity probably stems from a brief spell studying theology at the University of Aberdeen before he dropped out. On "Auf Achse," a track from Franz Ferdinand's debut album, the last part of the song references Jesus' crucifixion. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Edward Pearce - Ashford, Kent, England

Comments: 6

  • Ijay from SeattleJust picked apart this song with a guitar student. Great little tune, love how Kapranos combines themes of both a "Jesus" that is rejected and unrecognizable to modern Christians, and the heroin references to religion being the "opiate of the masses". The song is totally loaded with double meanings, very strong lyrics. A great critique of the sort of manipulation of modern religion towards judgement, hatred and religious oppression. Even more striking to me because the band makes a bunch of Buddhism references on more recent records. Alex was obviously a theology student. As if to say, you've got it all wrong and if Jesus did come back the people who worship him would persecute him all over again.
  • Dj from Concord, NcI think the first few lines are about Christ fliping the tables in the temple
  • Katie from Newport Beach, Cadont a lot of people turn to the church because they want to try to live a better life. they are broken and they want to be better. i agree with rachel to some point, the falen are sometimes the virtueous. they tend to be more humble and are trying to be better so in the end they are the better people.
  • Rachel from South Point, OhThis is sadly true about many Christians today. I know some 'fallen' who are way more loving than some Christians who missed the message completely. Most Christians aren't bad though; some of us are just idiots.
  • Joey from Corpus Christi, TxGreat song, probably the band's best.
  • Deep Thinka from Aberden, Wasounds like a mockery out of the Christian Conservatives out there.. love it! oh, and one more thing, in the lyrics the word "Kunst" means an art snoob and a cross between the c word, a great song out of many franz ferdinand songs, kapronos is truely an extremely talented song writter!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Graham Nash

Graham NashSongwriter Interviews

Graham Nash tells the stories behind some of his famous songs and photos, and is asked about "yacht rock" for the first time.

Leslie West of Mountain

Leslie West of MountainSongwriter Interviews

From the cowbell on "Mississippi Queen" to recording with The Who when they got the wrong Felix, stories from one of rock's master craftsmen.

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' Albums

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' AlbumsSong Writing

With the rise of Kindie rock, more musicians are embracing their inner child with tunes for tots - here, we look at pop stars who recorded kids' albums.

Def Leppard Quiz

Def Leppard QuizMusic Quiz

Can you name Def Leppard's only #1 hit in America? Get rocked with this adrenalized quiz.

Movie Stars In Music Videos

Movie Stars In Music VideosSong Writing

Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie, Mila Kunis and John Malkovich are just a few of the film stars who have moonlighted in music videos.