The song "This Doomsday" by Unknown Mortal Orchestra explores themes of guilt, confession, forgiveness, and the complexities of faith. The lyrics suggest a conversation between the narrator and God, highlighting conflicting emotions and thoughts. The lyrics begin with the narrator referencing God's expectations, stating that it takes more than just confessing one's sins to be considered a good person. They ponder whether they should try to be genuinely good or simply present an impression of goodness. The narrator continues by expressing that God's forgiveness may be harder to attain, as their blood (symbolizing their humanity or actions) is "too warm." This implies that their sins may be difficult to forgive or wash away. The reference to the "interstellar ark of sinners" suggests that the narrator sees themselves and others as lost souls, on a voyage through life filled with mistakes and transgressions. As the song progresses, the focus shifts to the narrator's struggle with boredom and a feeling of being overwhelmed with thoughts and words. They mention God's face being "so big," which may signify the overwhelming presence and authority of the divine. They express a desire for Sundays (a day of worship and rest) to not be monotonous, possibly indicating a longing for spiritual fulfillment. The line "Left with a million things to say" suggests the narrator's need to express themselves and seek understanding or guidance, possibly from God. However, they feel abandoned or left alone on this "doomsday," feeling confused and lost. The lyrics then touch upon the concept of erosion, with God mentioning the importance of reading him through the erosion of cliffs. This might represent the passing of time and experiences, which can bring clarity and deeper understanding. The final line of the song, "Sunlight feels so good, but I just can't see nothing," conveys a sense of paradox. While the light (symbolizing enlightenment or truth) feels pleasant, the narrator admits to still feeling blind or unable to see clearly. Overall, the song delves into the complexities of faith, the human desire for redemption and forgiveness, and the struggle to find meaning and understanding in a confusing world. It invites reflection on the nature of spirituality and the search for answers within oneself.
