The song "Alive" by Hypocrisy is a critique of organized religion and its control over individuals. The lyrics suggest that the speaker sees religious leaders as lying and manipulating people for their own gain. The opening lines, "You call yourself a god - I call you a liar", express the speaker's skepticism towards religious figures who claim to have divine authority. They assert their own independence and reject living in a world governed by religious fantasies. The chorus, "Brainwash the weak, steal all you can steal, defenseless minds of the dumber kind, the church is working overtime", criticizes the church for manipulating vulnerable individuals and exploiting their trust. The lyrics suggest that religious institutions take advantage of people's naivety and faith. The lines, "The book of lies becomes alive again, translated, twisted, read between the lines", highlight the speaker's perception of religious texts being manipulated and interpreted to suit the needs of those in power. The lyrics suggest that the truth of these ancient texts has been obscured, making it difficult to differentiate between truth and falsehood. The lyrics further express the idea that religion often oppresses individuals and makes them feel inferior, as seen in the lines, "They convince you that you're nothing and nothing but dirt, if you don't contribute, you're no son of god". This suggests that religion imposes strict expectations on its followers, demanding their devotion and financial contributions. The song also raises the fear of eternal damnation and punishment for not adhering to religious rules, as expressed in the lines, "Don't wanna live in sin, they will make you learn, if you're gonna sin, then you're gonna burn". This portrays religion as a mechanism of control and fear. Overall, "Alive" by Hypocrisy criticizes organized religion for its alleged manipulation, exploitation, and control over individuals, urging listeners to question and challenge such authority.
