What a poweful and uplifting song. The build-up that comes to a peak with the words "Hold the light!" are quite emotionally stirring, and it is a fantastic example of a climactic chorus.
Most of Jon Anderson's lyrics are somewhat abstract and filled with what most describe as "mystical" or even "hippy" themes. This song is a bit of an exception as it's comparitively coherent and not too overly sentimental. As of August 26th, 2006, the lyrics posted here are almost completely wrong, hopefully the mods will clear that up per my correction submission.
The song calls upon people to hold the metaphorical light of hope and love in a troubled world. ("See the world we started, is it so low again?) It asks the listener to not be afraid of change or of the future, ("Can we see through this mask of uncertainty? Surely now") as it can be for the better if we live through love. ("Hold the light, and out of love we'll come a long, long glorious way")
I compare this song to Pink Floyd's "On The Turning Away" both musically and lyrically, as both songs feature build-up, climactic chorus work, and positive, inspiring lyrics regarding the state of humanity. both songs are also written to humanity in general, and are a "calling" of sorts to the compassion within us.
What a poweful and uplifting song. The build-up that comes to a peak with the words "Hold the light!" are quite emotionally stirring, and it is a fantastic example of a climactic chorus.
Most of Jon Anderson's lyrics are somewhat abstract and filled with what most describe as "mystical" or even "hippy" themes. This song is a bit of an exception as it's comparitively coherent and not too overly sentimental. As of August 26th, 2006, the lyrics posted here are almost completely wrong, hopefully the mods will clear that up per my correction submission.
The song calls upon people to hold the metaphorical light of hope and love in a troubled world. ("See the world we started, is it so low again?) It asks the listener to not be afraid of change or of the future, ("Can we see through this mask of uncertainty? Surely now") as it can be for the better if we live through love. ("Hold the light, and out of love we'll come a long, long glorious way")
I compare this song to Pink Floyd's "On The Turning Away" both musically and lyrically, as both songs feature build-up, climactic chorus work, and positive, inspiring lyrics regarding the state of humanity. both songs are also written to humanity in general, and are a "calling" of sorts to the compassion within us.