In an interview with two former roommates of Virginia Tech gunman Cho Seung-Hui, CNN reported Tuesday night that Cho was fixated on the mid-’90s alt-rock staple “Shine,” by positive-minded rock group Collective Soul. Cho evidently found meaning in the song’s semi-religious lyrics, which he repeatedly scrawled on the walls of his dormitory suite: “Teach me how to speak / Teach me how to share / Teach me where to go.” According to the roommates, Cho would play the song endlessly on repeat, perhaps obsessing over “Shine”‘s call for help from a higher power. Unlike in previous school shooting incidents — such as Columbine, where the perpretators listened to KMFDM and Marilyn Manson — media critics will have to look elsewhere for a scapegoat. Many may wonder why Cho’s fascination with the song, set in the broader context of his anti-social behavior and personality, was not interpreted as a cry for help. Full lyrics, in all their weighty portent, after the jump.”Shine” by Collective Soul
Give me a word
Give me a sign
Show me where to look
Tell what will I find ( will I find )
Lay me on the ground
Fly me in the sky
Show me where to look
Tell me what will I find ( will I find )
Oh, heaven let your light shine down (x4)
Love is in the water
Love is in the air
Show me where to go
Tell me will love be there ( love be there )
Teach me how to speak
Teach me how to share
Teach me where to go
Tell me will love be there ( love be there )
Oh, heaven let your light shine down (x4)
I’m going to let it shine (x2)
Heaven’s little light gonna shine on me
Yea yea heaven’s little light gonna shine on me
It’s gonna shine, shine on me
It’s gonna shine, come on in shine
