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Requiem Lyrics
Well, I saw a bird today --- flying from a bush and the
wind blew it away.
And the black-eyed mother sun scorched the butterfly
at play --- velvet veined.
I saw it burn.
With a wintry storm-blown sigh, a silver cloud blew
right on by.
And, taking in the morning, I sang --- O Requiem.
Well, my lady told me, ``Stay.''
I looked aside and walked away along the Strand.
But I didn't say a word, as the train time-table blurred
close behind the taxi stand.
Saw her face in the tear-drop black cab window.
Fading in the traffic; watched her go.
And taking in the morning, heard myself singing ---
O Requiem.
Here I go again.
It's the same old story.
Well, I saw a bird today --- I looked aside and walked
away along the Strand.
wind blew it away.
And the black-eyed mother sun scorched the butterfly
at play --- velvet veined.
I saw it burn.
With a wintry storm-blown sigh, a silver cloud blew
right on by.
And, taking in the morning, I sang --- O Requiem.
Well, my lady told me, ``Stay.''
I looked aside and walked away along the Strand.
But I didn't say a word, as the train time-table blurred
close behind the taxi stand.
Saw her face in the tear-drop black cab window.
Fading in the traffic; watched her go.
And taking in the morning, heard myself singing ---
O Requiem.
Here I go again.
It's the same old story.
Well, I saw a bird today --- I looked aside and walked
away along the Strand.
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This song is about loss and pain.. both the bird and the butterfly, who are lost represent the loss he feels as he leaves his lady. Obviosly it is a theme in his life, as he says that it is "the same old story". When he sees a bird the second time, he looks away, not wanting to be hurt again....
Beautiful song all in all, one of Tulls best.
I have read Ian Anderson to say, years later, possibly in the first remaster of Minstrel, that the song concerns his own regrets of his maintenance of his first marriage, to the lady named Jennie, who is often credited for the song Aqualung. (That is not actually true, she had been taking pictures of London's homeless which provided Ian Anderson with the inspiration, though apparently she did provide the line about snot!) In any case his second marriage, to Shona, has lasted, now over a 40 year union. Probably first seen by Tull fans at the 75 show before marriage, when she served as the ringmistress I think she was called, bringing Ian various apparels and instruments during the show, in a kind of circus attire.
For me this song could be about the famous woman conqueror DON JUAN: The woman says "stay!" and what does he do? he just turns and walks away. And mocking her, he leaves singing "Oh Requiem!"... "Here i go again, it\'s the same old story...": She\'s just another trophy for his collection. Anyway, this is one of the most beautiful songs I\'ve ever heard in my life. Ian Anderson is amazing, a music genius!