You Want to Believe - Behind the Song
There’s belief and there’s acceptance. In time, you’ll learn the difference.
As odd as it sounds to me now, the faith I followed in my younger years was founded on intellectual decisions; hedging my bets on the meaning of life based on what seemed to be the available choices at the time. And for many years I mistook those decisions for belief. It was only when I was forced to confront my faith in my 30s that I learnt a valuable lesson about belief and acceptance. I had accepted so much as truth when deep down - I didn't really believe it at all; I just hadn't taken the time to dig down that deep until then. And at that moment, for me, the “spell” was broken. It was an epiphany that I am very grateful for.
And, as with all of the songs on this album, this is only my experience and not in any way a judgement on the experiences or beliefs of others.
Lyrics
In search of a key to the uncertainty in the world you see around you
The need to control or at least find a soul that could give a sense of purpose
Though something so illogical and mystical could seem the perfect answer
Beware of the trap, emotion turning your back
When your head would serve you better
I know you want to believe, I know you need to believe
But there’s belief and there’s acceptance
In time, you’ll learn the difference
It’s too easy to feel like the spirit is real when you build your world around it
Go along for the ride if you’re willing to hide from the inconvenient questions
I know it can feel wonderful and powerful
And wonderful to swim in those emotions
But maybe your hell is when you’re kidding yourself
On the way to your devotions
I know you want to believe…
There can be comfort in chaos, in not having the answers
In not finding a meaning, in not needing a purpose
I know you want to believe…