Ben Gibbard's a Calvinist...

Death Cab's new single "I will possess your Heart" was a shocking disappointment when I first heard it. The lyrics, transcribed below, are almost sophomoric in comparison to the nuance and depths Ben Gibbard has penned on albums past. However, I realized the other day, that if you consider this, not some juvenile and cloying romantic love song, but a plea from God to his children on earth...you kinda have to draw the conclusion that Ben Gibbard's a Calvinist. Taken in this light the song sounds like a description of irresistible grace.

How I wish you could see the potential, the potential of you and me
It's like a book elegantly bound, but in a language that you can't read
You gotta spend some time--love, you gotta spend some time with me

There are days when outside your window, I see my reflection as I slowly pass
And I long for this mirrored perspective, when we'll be lovers, lovers at last

You reject my advances and desperate pleas
I won't let you, let me down so easily, so easily

I will possess your heart.