"Lydia Wears A Cross" is a song by Julia Jacklin, an Australian indie folk singer-songwriter. The lyrics depict a scene from the artist's childhood, where she and her classmates gather in a religious setting, possibly a school chapel or church. The song explores themes of belief, confusion, and the search for faith. The narrator describes feeling pretty and dressed up in a pair of shoes and a dress, while being unsure if her prayers and thoughts are being heard by a higher power. Lydia, another classmate, wears a cross around her neck, symbolizing her commitment to her faith. The song also mentions the reference to the Jesus Christ Superstar soundtrack, which seems to be a shared experience between the narrator and another classmate, possibly Lydia. It highlights their connection and common interests. As the song progresses, the narrator expresses her desire to be a believer, but only if faith is as simple as song and dance, implying that she longs for a more straightforward path to understanding her spirituality. She questions if there is a chance for her to truly believe. The lyrics then mention Princess Diana, who was a figure often associated with compassion and charity. Miss Brown, another character, keeps score, perhaps representing a judgmental attitude within the religious community. Vivien is also mentioned, holding on but singing the words wrong to the songs they listen to. The chorus reiterates the narrator's desire to be a believer, highlighting her hope for a meaningful connection to spirituality. The song touches on the experiences and conflicts that can arise when navigating faith in a world that may seem confusing or divided. The verses continue with references to a parade float, where the narrator, dressed as a child in a leotard beneath a technicolour dream coat, fits into a colorful and lively scene. However, there is a longing for something deeper and more substantial than simply being a participant in the festivities. The song takes a turn in the bridge section, referring to a "line up" and a "bleeding heart divided." It suggests internal conflict and a plea for forgiveness and understanding. The phrase "Go on, now you try it" suggests that the narrator challenges the audience or herself to experience the journey of faith. The song concludes by mentioning a singing performance of "Welcome to the family" at an assembly with raised arms, indicating that these religious practices are integrated into the school community. The line "Where have the babies gone?" is evocative, possibly symbolizing the loss of innocence or the disillusionment that can occur as people grow older and face the challenges and complexities of life. Overall, "Lydia Wears A Cross" explores the narrator's experiences and yearnings for faith, highlighting the struggles to find meaning and connection in a confusing world. It examines the desire to believe and the challenges and conflicts that can arise along that journey.
