STP were more concerned with tight song structure and riffs than punk rage. And the influence of those bands was apparent in their music, although Stone Temple Pilots did manage to change things around a bit. Accused by many critics of being nothing more than ripoff artists who pilfered from Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains, the bandmates nevertheless became major stars in 1993. Stone Temple Pilots were able to turn alternative rock into stadium rock naturally, they became the most critically despised band of their era. Accused by many critics of being nothing more than ripoff artists who pilfered This song though is still a testament to Weiland on his part for being able to redeliver a fresh interpretation from his internal understanding of a classic.Stone Temple Pilots were able to turn alternative rock into stadium rock naturally, they became the most critically despised band of their era. Governments, institutions, organized religion all provide a spring board for evil to exert itself in this world, Mick Jagger warns us of the same. Furthermore, this power is often able to convince others that they will be safer disregarding their own morals in favor of committing sins against humanity, hence the 'Who will be my judge and which one do I trust.' 'I've been waiting for a while to meet you, for a chance to shake your hand, to give you thanks for all the suffering you command' expresses an aire of admiration, even gratitude sarcastic or otherwise, going out on a limb beyond mere courtesy and sympathy for the one responsible for everything in our world. That which is truly evil often has the awe inspiring charisma to compel others to do wrong even when their own moral judgment may argue with this.
The lyrical subjects are of the same topical nature, only this song addresses the Devil in a second person narrative. My InterpretationI honestly believe this song to be the Stone Temple Pilot's stylized reprisal of 'Sympathy for the Devil.' Listen to the similarities in cadence during the bridge of this song. It's possible Scott was questioning religion at the time he wrote the song, but a lot has changed in his life since then We were created naked, but when Adam/Eve betrayed God they were shamed by this nakedness. Interesting title, by the way, "Naked Sunday".
That's what I think the song is about, ultimately, a person who had faith at one point but is now questioning it. He easily could've been putting himself in "Naked Sunday" in the place of a man questioning his faith. He was putting himself in the mind of a macho alpha male pig. but remember "Sex Type Thing" off that record was another song not meant to be taken as literal feelings Scott had. Naked Sunday definitely has anti God/anti religious lyrics. I can't speak for how he felt about religion when Core came out though. Scott believes in God and I don't even think he really has an issue with organized religion. He also sings Be Not Afraid in HIG, a traditional Catholic hymn. He also sings in HIG about how his dead brother "always went to mass". He believes in God, as A Song for Sleeping can attest to, and he's a huge fan of Notre Dame (Catholic school and catholic history). General CommentScott was raised Catholic and still goes to mass on Sundays from time to time. Who will be my judge and which one do I trust? Who will be my judge and which one do I trust To give you thanks for all the suffering you commandĪnd when all is over and we return to dust