The Meaning Behind The Song: Original Sin by INXS

When “Original Sin” was released by the Australian rock band, INXS, in 1984, it quickly became a hit. Many fans loved the beat and energy of the song without realizing what the lyrics were about. However, for those who have taken the time to really listen, the meaning behind “Original Sin” is both deep and profound. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind the song and the story of how it came to be.

Table of Contents

The Song’s Origin

“Original Sin” was written by Andrew Farriss, a member of INXS, and Michael Hutchence, the band’s lead singer. According to Farriss, the song was born out of a jam session where he came up with the chord progression and Hutchence provided the lyrics.

While the song’s origin was simple enough, the meaning behind it is much more complex.

The Meaning of “Original Sin”

At its core, “Original Sin” is a song about the struggle between good and evil. The lyrics are filled with biblical references and allusions to the fall of man in the Garden of Eden.

The song’s chorus contains the lines:

“Original sin (sin)
It’s alright with me
Original sin (sin)
It’s a story to me”

These lyrics suggest that while sin is a part of humanity, it is also a part of our story. It is a struggle that we all face, but it is also something that has shaped us and made us who we are.

The verses of the song dive deeper into the struggle between good and evil and the idea of temptation. One of the most famous lines from the song is:

“Dream on white boy, dream on black girl
And wake up to a brand new day
To find your dreams have washed away”

This line suggests that no matter who you are or what your dreams may be, there will always be temptation and struggle. The use of “white boy” and “black girl” in the lyrics is seen as a reference to race relations in the United States and the struggles that come with those issues.

The Video

In addition to the song itself, the music video for “Original Sin” also contains deeply symbolic imagery. The video features Hutchence being tempted by a snake and ultimately finding salvation in a church.

The snake is a clear reference to the biblical story of Adam and Eve and the fall of man. In the video, the snake represents temptation and evil, while the church represents salvation and redemption.

The Impact of “Original Sin”

While “Original Sin” may have been a hit in the 1980s, its impact has lasted much longer. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Taylor Dayne and Pandora’s Box.

As one of INXS’s most popular songs, “Original Sin” has also become a fan favorite. The band’s live performances of the song are some of the most legendary in their history.

Conclusion

Overall, “Original Sin” is a song that deals with the human struggle between good and evil. Its lyrics are deep and meaningful, and the imagery in the music video adds another layer of depth to the song.

While it may be over 30 years old, “Original Sin” remains an enduring classic that speaks to the human experience. It serves as a reminder that, no matter who we are or what our struggles may be, we are all united in the struggle between good and evil.

ncG1vNJzZminnJnBqrnEpqysoZNjsLC5jq2fnmWdmq6vtc2gZJudmJ67pXnToZxmq5%2BjtG670aKeoqaRoXq0tc1mmbJlmaPFtHs%3D