Insofar as the Incredible String Band's lyrics are ever about anything, this is about the symbolism in the miracles of Jesus, and the promise of redemption. The raising of Lazarus (..nor earth enfold him..), the crucifixion (..brother soldiers stop your gambling and talk to me..) are sort of obvious but nice.
Listen out also for the crucifixion reference in the otherwise impenetrably obscure but marvellous Ducks on a Pond.
The greatest miracle of all is also hinted at here (...stranger than that we're alive...)
And finally "the grave was empty where they had laid him" as a result of which we can all go to the "old golden land".
I'm not religious in any way, in fact I'm an atheist, but it doesn't stop me enjoying this, many years after I first heard it. Wonderful.
George.
Insofar as the Incredible String Band's lyrics are ever about anything, this is about the symbolism in the miracles of Jesus, and the promise of redemption. The raising of Lazarus (..nor earth enfold him..), the crucifixion (..brother soldiers stop your gambling and talk to me..) are sort of obvious but nice. Listen out also for the crucifixion reference in the otherwise impenetrably obscure but marvellous Ducks on a Pond. The greatest miracle of all is also hinted at here (...stranger than that we're alive...) And finally "the grave was empty where they had laid him" as a result of which we can all go to the "old golden land". I'm not religious in any way, in fact I'm an atheist, but it doesn't stop me enjoying this, many years after I first heard it. Wonderful. George.