Desert Plains Lyrics

Lyric discussion by Louco 

Cover art for Desert Plains lyrics by Judas Priest

Desert plains

The title has two components; both are places. This is the central meaning of the song: there are two places, earth and the afterlife.

Full moon is rising // Illumination during the night; in other words, knowledge about death. The sky is black // I'm dead. I heed your call I'm coming back // I love you, but you are alive. The road is straight cast // The situation is clear. We are separated by death. Wind's in my eyes // All difficulties are comparatively minor. Death can be conquered by love. The engine roars between my thighs // Whatever the tools, I will return to you.

From desert plains I bring you love // From the afterlife I bring you knowledge (about death). From desert plains I bring you love

Wild mountain thunder // Something greater than me. Echoes my quest // Reverberates my life. My body aches but I'll not rest Quartz light to guide me Till sunrise leads // I have purpose and will follow my path, really or spiritually. My passion screams, my heart it bleeds // In both spirit and body.

From desert plains I bring you love From desert plains I bring you love

Then in the distance // Across the chasm of me being dead and you alive. I see you stand On the horizon you raise your hand // I know you hope to be with me again. In burning rubber I end my quest // I have come back to you; I gave you hope. You fall into my arms at last // We're not separated.

From desert plains I bring you love From desert plains I bring you love

This song is about a dead lover who longs to be with his (or hers) living lover. The song is the message it sends the living to make it known there is an afterlife. With this knowledge, the lovers are no longer apart: knowing they will be together in the future, is like being in each other's arms already.

My Interpretation

@Louco I know this comment is almost 5 years old but I had to say that your interpretation is spot on…at least in my opinion. I’m just waiting to see my love again. It’s been over 30 years and I can’t wait to fall into his arms again.