☝️ Key Points
- The song lyrics tell the story of the Crusades and the fight for Jerusalem.
- Different perspectives of the parties involved are portrayed, including the bishop, the king, and Saladin.
- The text questions whether people of different beliefs can ever find peace.
- It shows how the Christians defeat the pagans and liberate Jerusalem.
- The song lyrics remind of historical events and encourage reflection on faith and conflicts.
Interpretation
The lyrics of the song 'Crusader' by
Chris De Burgh tell the story of the Crusades in the Middle Ages, particularly the struggle for Jerusalem. It begins with the conversation between the bishop and the priest, who learn with shock that Jerusalem has fallen and the pagan king Saracen has conquered the Holy Cross. The priest suggests fighting the Saracens, as God will find a just reward. The bishop is referred to as the 'Lord of the Crusade' and is tasked with spreading the message to all lands.
The lyrics then shift to the king, who learns that Jerusalem has fallen and been conquered by a pagan king. His advisor suggests seeking help from enemies in Spain, France, and Germany to end the war and unite the Christians. The king is urged to be the leader and start the fight.
It then focuses on the king of the Saracens, Saladin, who feels secure in Jerusalem and believes that the Christians can never be united. But then a messenger arrives and reports that the Christians are coming. Saladin initially denies this, but when the Crusaders actually appear outside the gates of Jerusalem, he flees while his army panics and dies. The Crusaders pray for the liberation of Jerusalem and begin the battle. With horses, archers, and war machines, they break through the city walls and defeat the pagans. Saladin runs away upon hearing the victorious song of the Christians.
The lyrics end with a conversation between the wise man and the fool, in which the wise man asks if it is possible for enemies to come together, as it once happened. The fool responds with mockery, saying that only greed and wickedness reign in the people who fight today. He claims that the song of the Crusader has long been forgotten.
The lyrics of the song 'Crusader' remind us of the historical events of the Crusades and show the different perspectives of the parties involved. It is about faith, the struggle for Jerusalem, and the question of whether people of different beliefs can ever find peace.