U2's song Acrobat criticizes the hypocritical teachings of organized religion: "I must be an acrobat, to talk like this and act like that."
"And I'd join the movement if there was one I could believe in. Yeah I'd break bread and wine if there was a church I could receive in" points towards the author's religious beliefs, or rather, lack of belief.
This song is very vague. There is no solid subject or character and we do not know anything about the girl the song is directed to. This relates to the author's feelings towards religion. He/she is lost without it, "Yeah I'd break bread and wine if there was a church I could receive in 'cause I need it now," yet it is previously stated that he/she does not believe.
The author uses repetition of the statement "And I can love And I can love" because this is the one fact he/she is sure of. Although it is difficult for the author to believe and follow any particular religion, they are positive that they are capable of loving.
The chorus is (obviously) also repeated, and is therefore comprised of other statements the author is confident with. The first 2 lines, as mentioned earlier, refer to being hypocritical. The third line: "And you can dream, so dream out loud" meaning all of our possibilities, to "build," "find your own way," etc. And the notorious 4th line: "Don't let the bastards grind you down," meaning stand up for your rights and beliefs and don't let anyone put you down for them. The harsh language of this statement implies anger, hostility, and resentment.
This song relates incredibly well with Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale. I can imagine it being sung throughout the Femaleroad and amongst all of the "Mayday Handmaids" and other nonbelievers. It portrays religion as hypocritical and enforces the fact that it is okay not to have any faith at all. The opening lines of the song, "Don't believe what you here, don't believe what you see" are rules these rebels of Gilead live by. And of course, the last line of the chorus, "Don't let the bastards grind you down" is also the phrase that drives Offred remain strong throughout the novel.
Nolite te bastardes carborundorum
