Meaning of Sister of the Cross (Piano demo) by Elton John

The Elton John song 'Sister of the Cross (Piano demo)' delivers a haunting and introspective look into the lives of nuns living in a convent. The overall theme of the song revolves around the isolation and sacrifice experienced by these women as they dedicate themselves to a life of religious devotion. Through vivid and poetic lyrics, the song explores various aspects of their existence and hints at unexplored emotions lying beneath the surface.One of the standout lyrics that contribute to the song's theme is "Red mountains around them, keep out those who'd come, but only birds and wild deer share the lives of nuns". This line portrays the physical barrier between the nuns and the outside world. The mountains symbolize the seclusion and seclusion from worldly temptations that these women willingly choose to embrace. This theme speaks to the idea of sacrifice and self-denial, as the nuns are essentially giving up a life of freedom and connection in exchange for a spiritual path.Another impactful lyric is "Their knowledge lies inside a hole, buried in the ground". This represents the suppression of knowledge and personal growth that the nuns experience. It suggests that the valuable lessons they learn, the wisdom they gain, and the contributions they could make to the world are hidden away, unseen and unused. This theme explores the idea that their potential goes unrealized due to their commitment to a confined and structured lifestyle.The chorus, "For the Sisters of the Cross, seek the shadows that they have lost, in the walls where their lives are protected by God, but the feeling of love is somewhere in your bones", delves deeper into the emotional aspects of the nuns' existence. It speaks to the yearning for connection and love that these women may harbor underneath their pious façade. While their lives are governed by a strong sense of devotion, the desire for human connection is not eradicated. The song suggests that this longing for love is innate and resides deep within their very beings.The verse describing the Mother of the mission bells captures another layer of the song's theme. It highlights the lifelong commitment these women make to their religious calling. The line "She never felt the hands of a man touch her in the night" portrays the absence of physical affection and intimacy in their lives. This lyric explores the sacrifice of romantic love and the unconventional role of motherhood these women have taken on as spiritual caretakers.In the verse about the young girls in the chapel, the lyrics "As the young girls fall, their eyes in tears beside the crucifix" express a sense of vulnerability and emotional struggle that may resonate beneath the surface of their religious devotion. It implies that even though they have chosen this path, the weight of sacrifice and the emotional toll it takes is not entirely easy to bear. This theme adds depth to the song, suggesting that there are complexities and inner conflicts to be seen and understood beyond the outward appearances.Overall, 'Sister of the Cross (Piano demo)' provides a deeply introspective exploration of the lives of nuns within a convent. It delves into themes of sacrifice, suppression of knowledge, longing for love and connection, as well as the emotional struggles inherent in their chosen path. Through evocative and thought-provoking lyrics, Elton John touches upon the inner lives of these women, inviting listeners to reflect on the complexities of devotion and the human experiences that lie beneath the surface of religious dedication.