Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: folk
Song Meaning of “Babel” by Mumford & Sons
‘Babel’ by Mumford & Sons is an anthem of humility, determination, and perseverance. Showcasing the band’s signature folk-rock sound, the song is heavily influenced by the biblical story of the Tower of Babel.
In this tale, mortals attempted to build a tower to the heavens in order to become as powerful as gods. God was displeased with this, so he dispersed them across the world with different languages, thus the tower was never completed.
In Mumford & Sons’ song, they reference this theme of eventual failure but emphasize the importance of having hope and perseverance, in spite of all odds. “Though I will doubtless catalog the wreckage as the years go by,” the narrator sings, “I’ll be standing on the edge, singing out ‘My dreams won’t die!’” This is a powerful testament that displays the message that no matter the struggles, we can still strive for greater heights if we work hard and never give up.
The narrator is aware that “the way forward is sometimes hard to find,” but his longing for something better than what currently exists drives him onward. He knows that “the walls we build will never be tall enough,” but he also embraces the idea that “we’ll keep on climbing ‘til the heat goes low.” ‘Babel’ is an inspiring and uplifting song that not only entertains, but also provokes deep thinking and encourages us to keep our dream alive in the face of adversity.