"Unbelievers: Bound to the Tracks of the Train"

The Nova Effect is posited by Taylor as an explosion of options for people wishing to find (or create) significance; cross pressures are just an unfortunate side effect of this modern age where agnosticism is the new normal. Ezra Koenig, the lead singer of the indie-rock band Vampire Weekend, ponders ideas of orthodoxy and non-belief in the song "Unbelievers" off of the band's third studio effort Modern Vampires of the City. In the song, Ezra sings about his lack of belief while toying with the notion of adopting religion. The song presents an overall feeling of being lost and trying to find one's place in this cold, dark world; loneliness and isolation are an all-too-common experience for souls drifting through this secular age. Hopefully Taylor will provide us with a little direction in navigating today's secular landscape as we continue with the course.

                                                         "Unbelievers"

Got a little soul
The world is a cold, cold place to be
Want a little warmth
But who’s gonna save a little warmth for me?

We know the fire awaits unbelievers
All of the sinners the same
Girl, you and I will die unbelievers
Bound to the tracks of the train

If I’m born again I know that the world will disagree
Want a little grace but who’s gonna say a little grace for me?

We know the fire awaits unbelievers
All of the sinners the same
Girl, you and I will die unbelievers
Bound to the tracks of the train

I’m not excited, but should I be?
Is this the fate that half of the world has planned for me?

I know I love you
And you love the sea
But what holy water contains a little drop, little drop for me?

See the sun go down
It’s going on down, and the night is deep
Want a little light
But who’s gonna save a little light for me?

We know the fire awaits unbelievers
All of the sinners the same
Girl, you and I will die unbelievers
Bound to the tracks of the train

I’m not excited, but should I be?
Is this the fate that half of the world has planned for me?

I know I love you
And you love the sea
But what holy water contains a little drop, little drop for me?

I’m not excited, but should I be?
Is this the fate that half of the world has planned for me?

I know I love you
And you love the sea
But what holy water contains a little drop, little drop for me?

Soundtrack to the Secular Age

Hey Everyone,

I thought that I'd post some links to the music mentioned in our secondary Smith text so that you can get a feel for what the author is talking about!

Arcade Fire:

                                          The Suburbs, The Suburbs (2010)

                                          (note: There is some violence towards the end of 

                                            music video. As an additional note, the music video

                                            was directed by Academy Award winner Spike

                                            Jonze)

                                          Ready to Start, The Suburbs (2010)

                                          We Used to Wait, The Suburbs (2010)

Death Cab for Cutie:

                                          I Will Follow You Into the Dark, Plans (2005)

                                          Soul Meets Body, Plans (2005)

The Postal Service:

                                          Such Great Heights, Give Up (2003)

Fleet Foxes:

                                          White Winter Hymnal, Fleet Foxes (2008)

Garden State (Bonus*): 

                                          Trailer, Garden State (2004)

                                         "The Idea of Home is Gone," Garden State (2004)

                                         (note: The scene itself contains some language and 

                                          crude humor.)

*Because it was name-dropped in the Smith text on pg. 1