Children of God is the fifth studio album by American post-punk band Swans. It was released in 1987, through record label Caroline.
The album marks a change in direction from Swans' early work. More tracks utilize acoustic guitars and more melodic vocals. The lyrics also focus more prominently on religious themes. Michael Gira has stated in multiple interviews that this album is a comment on the practices of religion and the Catholic Church.
Children of God was re-issued along with the World of Skin compilation (minus the covers) on CD in 1997 as Children of God/World of Skin. On this re-release, the original album version of "Our Love Lies" was replaced with the version included on the Love Will Tear Us Apart EP. Also, the re-release added "Damn You to Hell" and "I'll Swallow You" (under one title as "I'll Swallow You") from the New Mind single as a bonus. Also, "Sex, God, Sex", "Beautiful Child" and "Children of God" were shortened by several seconds with earlier fade-outs and "Trust Me" faded directly into the brief interlude at the end.
New Mind is a single by the New York band Swans. The title track would appear in a one minute longer version on their next studio album Children of God. "Damn You To Hell" and "I'll Swallow You" would be included (under one title as "I'll Swallow You") on the CD re-release titled Children of God/World of Skin, but not on the initial release.
(Gira, Westberg, Parsons, Kizys)
In the place
Where no one knows
Where they were before
Or what they're doing where
They are now
I will be there
With my eyes wide open
I will be there
(I will be there)
I will be ready
To receive
The new mind
Now I am a man
Now I am a man
But I'm nothing now
And God is mine
Yeah God is mine
Yeah my sin is me
And God is mine
Now I am ready
Now I am ready
To receive
The new mind
Now people get ready
People get ready
The sex in your soul will damn you to hell
The sex in your soul will damn you to hell
Damn you to hell
Damn you to hell
I will be there
I will be there
When he calls my number I will be there
Let the light come in
Damn you to hell
Let the light come in
Damn you to hell
Now save your soul
Damn you to hell
Now save your soul
Damn you to hell
Save your soul
Save your soul
Save your soul