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Beyond the age of reason.
Posted: 19 Apr 2006, 22:24
by nick the stripper
Quick question.
Is the line beyond the age of reason in the song Valentine a reference to Thomas Paine’s book The age of reason?
Re: Beyond the age of reason.
Posted: 20 Apr 2006, 01:56
by Silver_Owl
nick the stripper wrote:Quick question.
Is the line beyond the age of reason in the song Valentine a reference to Thomas Paine’s book The age of reason?
A people come to this
Beyond the age of reason
A people fed on famine
A people on their knees and
People eat each other
A people stand in line
Waiting for another war and
Waiting for my valentine
A reference to America
Thomas Paine was a brilliant man who played a vital role in the American Revolution of 1776. This was the last book he wrote, which centers almost entirely around Christianity. To Paine, it made sense to question everything in order to make valid answers possible. He puts forth many questions in this book regarding Christianity, confronting many beliefs with pure and rational reason.
And also (unrelated but possibly another reference in This Corrosion....)
In the opening year, 1793, when revolutionary France had beheaded its king, the wrath turned next upon the King of kings, by whose grace every tyrant claimed to reign. But eventualities had brought among them a great English and American heart--Thomas Paine. He had pleaded for Louis Caper--"Kill the king but spare the man." Now he pleaded,--"Disbelieve in the King of kings, but do not confuse with that idol the Father of Mankind!"
And yes - I've got time on my hands.
Re: Beyond the age of reason.
Posted: 20 Apr 2006, 17:58
by Stumpy Pete
nick the stripper wrote:Quick question.
Is the line beyond the age of reason in the song Valentine a reference to Thomas Paine’s book The age of reason?
Age of Reason also often means the 17th century, and, in 17th century social thought, it is the age at which parents are no loner obligated to be responsible to their children. The first French revolution was widely hailed (by PAine, among others) as being the coming of the age of reason to France. Remeber how well that turned out? Might make a bit more sense now...
Posted: 20 Apr 2006, 19:01
by mh
I've always read that line as meaning "you're old enough, you should know better".
But it's a fantastic song.
Great lyrics.