A backslider's anthem. He tried to live the slow (godly) life, but now wants the fast (devilish) life again. Will Jennings also wrote "Higher Love", so "high" now has a double meaning. In "Higher Love", he's searching for that high feeling that could come from embracing God (ultimate fulfillment) or the devil (ego fulfillment). At the end, he chooses the devil, though: "I could light the night up with my SOUL on FIRE. I could make the SUN shine with pure DESIRE." Now, he's completely rejecting the godly life for drinking, dancing, and fame ("all the eyes that watched me once will smile and take me in"). There's no personal glory in living the "invisible" godly life. "Let the world back into me and I'll be a sight to see." = "world" is a euphemism for the devil. The Sun rules the Ego (in astrology) and is worshiped by Satanists. Will's father was a methodist preacher, so he knows what all of this means. He wants the devil to take possession of him again so he can enjoy the sinful ("high") life.
A backslider's anthem. He tried to live the slow (godly) life, but now wants the fast (devilish) life again. Will Jennings also wrote "Higher Love", so "high" now has a double meaning. In "Higher Love", he's searching for that high feeling that could come from embracing God (ultimate fulfillment) or the devil (ego fulfillment). At the end, he chooses the devil, though: "I could light the night up with my SOUL on FIRE. I could make the SUN shine with pure DESIRE." Now, he's completely rejecting the godly life for drinking, dancing, and fame ("all the eyes that watched me once will smile and take me in"). There's no personal glory in living the "invisible" godly life. "Let the world back into me and I'll be a sight to see." = "world" is a euphemism for the devil. The Sun rules the Ego (in astrology) and is worshiped by Satanists. Will's father was a methodist preacher, so he knows what all of this means. He wants the devil to take possession of him again so he can enjoy the sinful ("high") life.
Seems a little silly to say it's god vs. satan since Winwood isn't a satanist. It makes a lot more sense to frame it as religious vs. secular.
Seems a little silly to say it's god vs. satan since Winwood isn't a satanist. It makes a lot more sense to frame it as religious vs. secular.