The lyrics were sparked by a television documentary in which rightwing extremist politicians, televangelists, and media pundits testified to their personal relationships with Jesus. Who exactly was this “Jesus” that advised them and presumably shared their views? The evil Jesus character was also partially inspired by the depraved mechanical counterfeit of the saintly “Maria” in Fritz Lang’s Metropolis.
lyrics
Jesus has returned
As a militant conservative
No more “Mr. Nice Guy”
Or saintly superlatives
Jesus won’t be turning the other cheek
He can’t relate to the poor and the meek
Pity the righteous who hunger and thirst
Salvation’s now indexed to personal worth
Jesus has traded his populist homilies
For the blessings of a free-market economy
To hell with entitlements and social security
Its laissez-faire capitalism in perpetuity
The savior has returned
As a strategic consultant
Advising politicians
Televangelists and pundits
Jesus doesn’t blush at a boldface lie
It’s manna from heaven not pie in the sky
Promising miracles with fishes and loaves
He’ll take your tunic along with your cloak
Greasing the palms of publicans and Caesars
He does unto others however he pleases
Why worry about poverty disease and pollution
When the Rapture’s on the way with the final solution
Jesus supports preemptive strikes
He can’t be bothered with human rights
Imprisoning his enemies for disbelief
There’ll be weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth
Gone is the prophet of peace and compassion
The savior now sups with spooks and assassins
Come Judgment Day all who evoke his ire
Will be cast into the Lake of Fire
Yeah, cast into the Lake of Fire
credits
from Hologramatron,
released May 27, 2010
Amy X Neuburg: vocals
Robert Powell: pedal-steel guitar
Michael Manring: bass
Celso Alberti: drums
Barry Cleveland: electric guitar, 12-string electric guitar, sampled percussion, sampled Mellotron
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