The song “Sheep Go To Heaven Goats Go To Hell” by the alternative rock band Cake is a classic of the late 90s/early 2000s. The track is known for its catchy melody, surreal lyrics, and dry humor.
But what is the meaning behind the song? What inspired the band to write it? And why did they choose such a strange title?
The Lyrics Of “Sheep Go To Heaven Goats Go To Hell”
First, let’s analyze the lyrics of the song. Here are the first two verses:
Sheep go to heaven, goats go to hell
Sheep go to heaven, goats go to hell
Standing outside the pearly gates
Sheep go to heaven, goats go to hellBang, bang, a knock on the door
Another big bang and you’re down on the floor
Oh no! What do we do?
Don’t look now, but I lost my shoe
I can’t run, and I can’t kick
What’s the matter babe, are you feeling sick?
What’s the matter, what’s the matter, what’s the matter you?
What’s the matter babe, are you feeling blue?
The first thing that stands out about these lyrics is their repetition. The phrase “sheep go to heaven, goats go to hell” is repeated several times, almost like a mantra. This gives the song a hypnotic quality and makes the listener focus on the words.
But what do the words mean? At first glance, they seem to be a reference to the Bible, specifically the parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:31-46. In this story, Jesus separates the righteous (symbolized by sheep) from the unrighteous (symbolized by goats) at the end of time.
However, the lyrics of the song are not a straightforward retelling of the parable. Instead, they use the imagery of sheep and goats to explore themes of morality, judgment, and self-awareness.
The Meaning Of “Sheep Go To Heaven Goats Go To Hell”
So what is the meaning behind the song? Here are a few interpretations:
- Morality: The lyrics could be seen as a commentary on the nature of good and evil. The sheep, which are traditionally associated with innocence and meekness, represent the righteous people who will go to heaven. The goats, meanwhile, represent the wicked people who will go to hell. By repeating this phrase over and over, the song emphasizes the importance of making the right choices in life.
- Judgment: The repetition of the phrase “sheep go to heaven, goats go to hell” could also be interpreted as a warning of impending judgment. The speaker of the song seems to be standing outside the pearly gates, waiting to be judged. The knock on the door could be seen as a symbol of the final judgment, after which it will be too late to change one’s fate.
- Self-awareness: Finally, the song could be seen as a critique of conformity and mindlessness. The sheep in the song are blindly following a predetermined path, without questioning their choices. The goats, on the other hand, are more rebellious and independent. By choosing to be a goat instead of a sheep, the speaker is asserting their individuality and rejecting the status quo.
The Story Behind “Sheep Go To Heaven Goats Go To Hell”
So where did the band get the idea for the song? According to lead singer John McCrea, the lyrics were inspired by a dream he had:
“I had this dream where I was standing outside the pearly gates, and there was a line of people waiting to get in. And these two people came up to me and they said, ‘Hey, you’re in the wrong line. Sheep go to heaven, goats go to hell.’ And then I woke up.”
McCrea said he was struck by the absurdity of the dream and decided to turn it into a song. He also said that the phrase “sheep go to heaven, goats go to hell” was something he had heard from his grandmother when he was a child.
The song was released in 1998 as part of Cake’s third album, “Prolonging the Magic.” It became one of their most popular songs, reaching #4 on the US Modern Rock chart.
The Legacy Of “Sheep Go To Heaven Goats Go To Hell”
Over two decades after its release, “Sheep Go To Heaven Goats Go To Hell” remains a beloved song among Cake fans. Its surreal lyrics and catchy melody have made it a staple of alternative rock radio.
But more than that, the song has become a cultural touchstone for a generation of music fans. Its themes of morality, judgment, and self-awareness continue to resonate with listeners who are grappling with their own existential questions.
And of course, the phrase “sheep go to heaven, goats go to hell” has become a meme in its own right, popping up in various forms across social media.
In Conclusion
“Sheep Go To Heaven Goats Go To Hell” is a song that defies easy categorization. Its surreal lyrics and hypnotic melody make it both catchy and thought-provoking.
Whether you interpret the song as a commentary on morality, judgment, or self-awareness, there’s no denying its lasting impact on alternative rock and popular culture as a whole.
