Hear the voice of the bard:
The present, past, and future sees.
His ears have heard the holy word,
And walked among the ancient trees
Calling the lapsed soul,
And weeping in the evening dew,
And might control the starry pole
And fallen, fallen, light renew.
Oh earth, oh earth return,
Arise from out the dewy grass.
The night is worn, and the morn
Rises from the slumberous mass.
Turn away no more.
Why will thou turn away the starry floor?
The watch, be sure,
Is given thee ‘til the break of day.
‘Til the break of day,
‘Til the break of day,
‘Til the break of day,
‘Til the break of day.


Lyrics submitted by claudiathefish

Beautiful Ghost song meanings
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    General Comment

    The lyrics are the introduction to William Blake's "Songs of Experience" poems. It's about eternity and creation and God and the Earth and man. Blake also wrote poems called "Songs of Innocence" to which the songs of experience are a counterpoint.

    The eerie, naked, ethereal sound throughout the song gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. Bono's voice--so low and calm to begin with and then how he crescendos into "till the break of day, till the break of day, till the break of day..." is lovely.

    U2mommaon July 20, 2009   Link

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