Our Reaction to If You Have Ghosts by Ghost (Roky Erickson)

[@balamx2802]

If you want an example of Forge's brilliance as an arranger, check out the original. The Ghost version is another level entirely. The acoustic version is amazing as well.

[@Crispy_Chip_C]

The ghosts I think are a metaphor like "ghosts from the past", events from the past and memories that shape the person's present and future. And the vampire bit I think is a metaphor for their dark side, their vices and weaknesses. They don't want their fangs too long because they don't want the beast inside to take control, similar theme to Spillways

[@yomama9196]

superbly said, friend i came to the same meaning of the lyrics, though maybe, i think, “i don’t want my fangs too long” could mean he doesn’t wanna hurt or involve anyone as he goes through his vices

[@DaP84]

I think Ghost's interpretation of the lyric is an anti version of the Holy Spirit/Holy Ghost. What the band represents. Kinda genius

[@ChristyAbbey]

That's what I get from it, too. Somewhat deeper, I'm trans and came out late in life, so Christopher's life haunts me. This is saying to me that it's okay, those ghosts made Christy. I've always wanted to like the original, as the lyrics spoke to me, but I never could. This, however... well, I just gave Ghost a try about a week and a half ago, and I've gone through their entire catalog 4-5 times now. This emerged as my favorite (followed by Kaisarion, Twenties, and Absolution).

[@redguy4636]

Dude that cover sounds so epic!! I can't wait to hear the whole thing

[@FlameImperishable]

Thanks! I’m extremely excited to post it! Still tweaking the mix but in my opinion it takes what was great about the original and (I hope) reveals a new facet intrinsic to the intent of the song!

[@Makado14]

Ghost did this song as a tribute to Rocky , who was a singer and wrote this song, he also had his own band. Rocky developed schizophrenia, he wanted to get well and was in and out of mental health institutions. He wrote this while in lock up and immediately forgot it, his manager was there at the time and got it down. Rocky had a reaction to a drug he was given, and it killed him, unfortunately. I think that this is one of the most beautiful songs that Ghost does.

[@fransnilsson7333]

You are amazing..as always..thank you for sharing your souls with us =)

[@TECfan1]

The cover sounds brilliant guys! I'm eager to hear it in full! 😊

[@CassetticonTune]

Oh I am hyped for your Witch Image cover!!! 😃 I can't wait to hear the full version! This is such a good cover, and I'm you enjoyed it. You guys really should listen to the acoustic version when you get the chance, it's even better imo.

[@Zapjuice_]

Jigolo Har Megiddo acoustic version is mwah! That Witch Image cover gave me ghostbumps btw!

[@edjarolin8054]

Jason, don't be that surprised by Ghost's music appealing to an age group raised with classic rock. With the rise of rap on the airwaves, I'd given up listening to music on the radio, being content with listening to old CD's. A few months ago the CD player broke, so I scanned the dial looking for an oldies station. Found one that would occasionally play a new song, too. None of those grabbed me, until "Call Me Little Sunshine." Checked Ghost out on KZbin and quickly became a huge fan. I may be old on the outside, but their music makes me feel young on the inside.

[@FlameImperishable]

I may be middle aged now, but I’m old on the inside. I prefer the oldies myself!

[@Doppeldropper]

....the Ghost's acustic version of this song is epic 🙂

[@jonmcguire4910]

Glad your diligently goin' thru the studio tracks. But THE absolute BEST version of IYHG is a performance for Loudwire on YT. Acoustic with only 2 guitar playing Ghouls. Papa III's vocal performance will bring tears to your eyes. He holds a few long notes that punch right thru your soul.

[@jonmcguire4910]

Uh, Hard Drive Online, not Loudwire. Sorry.

[@jebadiahfyefye8994]

Witch image is one of my favorite ghost songs. That’s so d

[@Crispy_Chip_C]

Definitely very d

[@FlameImperishable]

Lol, sorry what is d? 😁

[@Crispy_Chip_C]

@@FlameImperishable most likely a typo lol

[@jebadiahfyefye8994]

@@FlameImperishable just saw this. No idea what I even meant to say. Lmao. Dope ?

[@FlameImperishable]

Haha!

[@heavymetalfarmer6102]

I love the fang conversation , you guys crack me up.😂

[@chrishanson6566]

Sweet cover of witch image can't wait to hear it in it full. As for this song he uses it to introduce the rest of the band soo good. Trivandrum rocky was from El paso TX. When I saw them in El paso the crowd went crazy 🤪. Keep up the great work

[@FlameImperishable]

Thanks man! It’ll be really cool, I’m super proud of it!

[@TheComputerMissy]

The EP's cover art references a shot from the 1922 German Expressionist horror film Nosferatu

[@JoseFlores-gn5yj]

I’ve seen in the comments others mentioning it, but if you guys haven’t seen/heard the acoustic versions it’s a MUST. Hell, you guys could do a reaction to the acoustic performance and I along with many others will Mos Def watch.

[@ajclegend007]

Papa Emeritus is the name given to each incarnation of the singer of the band which changed with each record (all of who are Tobias Forge). We are on the fourth Papa, Papa Emeritus IV, who started out as Cardinal Copia ok the Prequelle album and ascended to Papa before Impera. The first three Papas are brothers, the current one is the only one not a part of the bloodline, just some Ghost lore for you haha

[@kleptoandpyro]

Welp it's heavily implied that Nihil is his father so technically he is part of the bloodline...just unofficially lol

[@carolbusbey9928]

the first time i saw them live they played an extended version to introduce the ghouls

[@jimmymcfly9822]

Give it up, for Ghoooouuullll

[@TECfan1]

This song is a Rocky Erickson cover, yes. He struggled with schizophrenia and to be honest, the lyrics are highly symbolic, not at all literal. By "ghosts" he may mean voices in his head or something else. The song is very poetic and honestly hard to interpret. It may even be indeed nonsensical OR only Rocky knew what he meant. It's kind of up to the listener. There are many different interpretations online but there doesn't seem to be one set one.

[@sethmetzinger4488]

I believe the song is about roky's schizophrenia.

[@mattjohn4731]

Roky classics: You're Gonna Miss Me, Splash 1, Night Of The Vampire, Two Headed Dog, I Have Always Been Here Before, Creature With Atom Brain, Reverberation, Don't Slander Me, John Lawman, Burn The Flames 🔥

[@thomasrjanik]

I love that album.

[@SuperTurtlemandude1]

Ghost has coverd so many great bands Abba Depeche Mode Leonard cohen pet shop boys all great covers

[@DaP84]

"Emeritus" is a title given to popes (etc) when they resign/retire. And popes usually stays too long at the party lol. So it's kinda synonymous with dead popes, which is exactly what the Ghost "frontmen" are

[@Zabiru-]

Tthe exception being Forge's persona for the Prequelle album, Cardinal Copia. The difference compared to the previous papas too being that Copia turned into Papa Emeritus IV with the release of the Impera album.

[@DaP84]

@@Zabiru- yes, we haven't seen/followed the other Papas' cardinal stages.

[@TheBored1983]

You can hear a lot of Foo Fighters in that song. I like it :)

[@FlameImperishable]

Wow you’re right it does sound like a foo fighters song! Never noticed that before

[@spiderling88]

Roky Erickson was a really interesting dude, he had quite a struggle with paranoid schizophrenia . Worth reacting to some of his music. Read up on him, if you get a chance.

[@pauldavies2178]

After your Ghost journey is over I recommend checking out Green Lung. Excellent band form the UK. Relatively new with a great 70’s vibe.

[@jen_eks2163]

I love the original by Roky (you should check it out!), but Ghost did a very good job with the cover. They made it their own.

[@jebadiahfyefye8994]

I dont think Tobias puts too much into making these lyrics fit so much into their lore outside of just the live performance and the feel it gives you. During their shows it feels as if he’s saying if you have “us” you have al you need.

[@DaP84]

I think "ghost" is the anti equivalent to the Holy Spirit/Holy Ghost, what the band represents!

[@redguy4636]

I've always interpreted the "fangs" line as a metaphor for hunger, or the craving for something. I don't want my fangs too long, because one never does that. Maybe it is a vampire after all, a very conflicted one haha.

[@bobbyboy2205]

One of my favourite ghost covers,the song was made for them lol,one of the ex guitarists Martin pesner has a band called magnacarta cartel,you should check out a song called “sway”

[@petterrix3144]

Do the acoustic version....🇸🇪

[@jonmcguire4910]

The Surgeon General recommends avoiding any attempts to literally interpret Ghost lyrics. In Tobias' world, everything means something...else.

[@christopherrzeszkowski6910]

You guys should do heavier metal bands like Behemoth and Dimmu Borgir and stuff like that

[@GeekFurious]

Respectfully, because I like you cats... but this is one of your most painfully superficial reactions, especially the lyrical analysis considering you're artists.

[@crilf5830]

Oh my god people are strange.

[@FlameImperishable]

Are you a Doors fan or something?

[@crilf5830]

@@FlameImperishable I didn’t see that coming but yes, I adore the Doors! You’re strange! Own that shit!

[@brandonlemon2060]

Get that thing off your face!

[@Em013L]

Ghost - Jigolo har megiddo. should follow this! Great pair of songs that