Temple From Within

Album: Alive Or Just Breathing (2002)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song was inspired by the theological concept that when someone becomes a Christian, they are filled with the Holy Spirit who comes to live within the believer. Their body then becomes a temple, belonging to God not to be violated, though the believer still struggles with his own human internal desires and fears. Frontman Jesse Leach explained to Artist Direct in a 2012 interview: "To me, it's kind of a gospel song in a way. You're looking up to God and saying, 'Give me peace. Help me to see life through different eyes. Teach me your ways and allow me to safe.' It's a cry to faith."
  • Leach was struggling with depression at the time, which later forced him to quit Killswitch in the middle of their first national tour. The singer articulated his struggles on this song as he explained to Artist Direct: "There's pain behind it to because at the time I was struggling with depression, which is something that's come and gone in my life a lot. You're crying out to God like, 'Help me out here. I'm having a hard time.' That's what it's about. At the root of it, that's where it's coming from."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Rickie Lee Jones

Rickie Lee JonesSongwriter Interviews

Rickie Lee Jones on songwriting, social media, and how she's handling Trump.

Song Titles That Inspired Movies

Song Titles That Inspired MoviesSong Writing

Famous songs that lent their titles - and in some cases storylines - to movies.

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.

Adam Young of Owl City

Adam Young of Owl CitySongwriter Interviews

Is Owl City on a quest for another hit like "Fireflies?" Adam answers that question and explains the influences behind many others.

Thomas Dolby

Thomas DolbySongwriter Interviews

He wrote "She Blinded Me With Science" so he could direct a video about a home for deranged scientists.

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.