Daniel Johnston

Spirit World Rising

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Spirit World Rising Lyrics

I have been to Abilene
The spirit world rising
I have seen in Abilene
The Devil has Texas

Purple rose they shall wear
The spirit world rising
The number on their forehead and hands
The devil has Texas

From the sky the number seven
The devil defeated
In the sky the New Jerusalem

I have been to Abilene
The spirit world rising
I have seen in Abilene
The Devil has Texas

The Spirit World Rising
The Devil has Texas
The Spirit World Rising
The Devil has Texas

Submitted by

ryan W=barkleyxcore On Dec 09, 2007

True Love Will Find You In The End

Walking The Cow

Devil Town

Casper The Friendly Ghost

Dream Scream

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Ryan W=BarkleyXCore

Submitter

2007-12-09 22:14:08

2 Meanings

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by london67

15y ago

I feel that this is one of Daniel's more striking songs-the arrangement is very sparse and the lyrics touch on several themes that have appeared multiple times throughout Daniel's songwriting career. This song also provides a pretty direct window into Daniel's psyche, referencing his religious beliefs mostly. The Abilene reference refers to his first stint away from home, when he went to and subsequently quit Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas. The passages mentioning the New Jerusalem, number 7, forehead and hands, and defeat of the devil all reference Bible eschatology and touch on Daniel's lifelong obsession with certain numbers-he speaks frequently of the numbers 6 (Satan), 7 (Jesus/God), and 9(the Beatles as best I can gather).

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by Thunderbolt

14y ago

I believe it's "purple robes", not "purple rose".

Lyric Correction

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