The Temple Of The King Lyrics

Lyric discussion by tejasdatta 

Cover art for The Temple Of The King lyrics by Rainbow

This song is crafted in a beautifully woven metaphorical style.

Here's what this song means to 'me'.

This song symbolizes the answering of our calling, one that changes the life of those who answer their beckoning. Medieval philosophy suggests that life truly begins when you answer your life's call and truly know the purpose of your life. (Present day presents us late bloomers who reckon life begins at 40, but in the erstwhile ages, Man was considered to be mature enough to understand his purpose by the time he was 20). So a boy born in the year of the fox would turn 20 in the next year of the fox.

Well, according to the book of Titanica (that explains the astrological calendar of the Titan) states that those born in the year of the fox are the curious sorts who crave to seek answers and spread them, usually through sermons (often even to those uninterested - with the power to turn them into disciples too).

Let's say, for now, that the central character of this song (Strong young man of the 'rising sun' - Lord Buddha visited Japan in his 20s, coincidence?) heard his calling (tolling of the great black black - the bell of time and truth in some mystical epics).

There in the middle of the circle he stands searching, seeking:

The fourth and final reason why Buddha left the material world and its pleasures to lead an ascetic life was when he saw an ailing old man bent with age, begging for his death. "Daylight waits while the old man sings "Heaven help me", And then like the rush of a thousand wings It shines upon "the one" And the day (of Buddha's new ascetic life) had just begun.

"With just one touch of his trembling hand The answer will be found." Symbolised the tapping of one's inner wisdom for answers to life's questions.

"There in the middle of the circle (of life ) he stands, seeing, feeling." - The 4 causes of Pain and suffering was what Buddha saw as spokes of the Karmic Cycle.

"With just one wave of the stong right hand He's gone" - Buddha's renunciation

I mean I could go on seeking the meaning of the song...But I guess you guys got the picture.

Think "Buddha" and the true and most convincing meaning of this song will emerge guys...Nothing religious here...Just follow the song with the life history of Buddha in mind.

Although most of it rings true, The Buddha was from India. So either he means someone else or he was mistaken about Gautama's (The Buddha) roots too. But interesting read. (just noticed you are an Indian!!!! You should know)

@tejasdatta This song was written 1975 or prior, so where did he get Year of the Fox from? The Titan Calendar didn't exist until the 80's. The Fox doesn't exist in any ancient zodiac calendars that I can find and the only other mention is in Primal Astrology, which is probably some other made up BS. I know, I know, its all made up BS.. But I'm curious because this song has significance to me. I'm 55 years old, I've been a Dio fan most of my life. My wife is 26 years younger than...

@ashiq Blackmore wanted the line "In the year of the fox" to be "In the year of the badger," but that would have been awkward to sing. So yeah, sometimes the lyrics have to be adapted.