The Maker
Daniel Lanois Lyrics
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I stand with arms wide open,
I've run a twisted line
I'm a stranger in the eyes of the Maker
I could not see for the fog in my eyes
I could not feel for the fear in my life
And from across the great divide, In the distance I saw a light
Jean Baptiste's walking to me with the Maker
My body is bent and broken by long and dangerous sleep
I can't work the fields of Abraham and turn my head away
I'm not a stranger in the hands of the Maker
Brother John, have you seen the homeless daughters
Standing there with broken wings
I have seen the flaming swords
There over east of Eden
Burning in the eyes of the Maker
Burning in the eyes of the Maker
Burning in the eyes of the Maker
Oh, river rise from your sleep
The lyrics to Daniel Lanois's The Maker convey a sense of longing for transcendence and salvation. The first stanza presents a character in a state of vulnerability, standing in deep water that is dark and cold like the night, feeling like a stranger to the Maker. The second stanza reveals the character's past troubles, being clouded by fear and fog, and then seeing a light in the distance that leads Jean Baptiste towards him, bringing him closer to the Maker. The third stanza depicts the character's physical limitations in working the fields of Abraham, but is comforted by not being a stranger in the hands of the Maker. The fourth stanza invokes the image of homeless daughters with broken wings, calling out to John, and the final stanza urges the river to rise up from its sleep. The recurring phrase "burning in the eyes of the Maker" suggests an intense scrutiny and judgment, perhaps provided by a higher power, and the desire to confront it.
The song is able to convey a sense of searching and seeking redemption through its lyrics, highlighted by the imagery and themes touched upon. The lyrics express a sense of powerlessness and need for guidance from a higher power, while also acknowledging that a person's physicality can limit them from fulfilling their spiritual needs. Jean Baptiste's appearance bridges this gap and brings transcendence within reach. The song also speaks to the importance of community, with the mention of Brother John and the homeless daughters, suggesting that healing and hope can come from individuals coming together in support of each other.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, oh deep water, black and cold like the night
The water is very dark and cold, just like the night.
I stand with arms wide open,
I am standing with open arms.
I've run a twisted line
I have traveled on a difficult and unpredictable path.
I'm a stranger in the eyes of the Maker
I feel unknown or unfamiliar to the Creator.
I could not see for the fog in my eyes
I couldn't see clearly because there was fog in my eyes.
I could not feel for the fear in my life
Because I was scared, I had lost my sense of feeling.
And from across the great divide, In the distance I saw a light
I saw a light in the distance, across a big divide.
Jean Baptiste's walking to me with the Maker
Jean Baptiste is coming with the Creator to meet me.
My body is bent and broken by long and dangerous sleep
My body is fragile from a deep sleep that was dangerous.
I can't work the fields of Abraham and turn my head away
I can't ignore my responsibilities and turn my back on my heritage.
I'm not a stranger in the hands of the Maker
I am known and familiar to the hands of the Creator.
Brother John, have you seen the homeless daughters
John, have you seen the young women who are without a home?
Standing there with broken wings
They are standing there with their wings damaged.
I have seen the flaming swords
I have seen the weapons made of flames.
There over east of Eden
They are in the direction east of Eden.
Burning in the eyes of the Maker
Burning in the eyes of the Creator.
Burning in the eyes of the Maker
Burning in the eyes of the Creator.
Burning in the eyes of the Maker
Burning in the eyes of the Creator.
Oh, river rise from your sleep
Rise up from your slumber, river.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: DANIEL LANOIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@joyo0717
Lyrics
Oh, oh deep water, black and cold like the night
I stand with arms wide open,
I've run a twisted line
I'm a stranger in the eyes of the Maker
I could not see for the fog in my eyes
I could not feel for the fear in my life
And from across the great divide, In the distance I saw a light
Jean Baptiste's walking to me with the Maker
My body is bent and broken by long and dangerous sleep
I can't work the fields of Abraham and turn my head away
I'm not a stranger in the hands of the Maker
Brother John, have you seen the homeless daughters
Standing there with broken wings
I have seen the flaming swords
There over east of Eden
Burning in the eyes of the Maker
Burning in the eyes of the Maker
Burning in the eyes of the Maker
Oh, river rise from your sleep
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Daniel Lanois
@JenniferDoveOfficial
Stunning! 🥹 Even decades later, this song is an integral part of my life’s soundtrack. Thank you, Daniel Lanois. ❤🙏🏽✨🕊️🥰
@brianlewis4415
Can't believe no one's made any comments on this brilliant song. Beautiful production, ambient sound. Thanks Mr Lanois. Stunning!
@geemcdoom
I just watched Sling Blade.... Love this, great tune 🤘❤️🎶
@aubreycassells
Reminds me of a Van Morrison tune!
@kerrannie9
I agree..brilliant producer..songwriter...musician!!
@sergiobustamante5725
No need to say anything. What he has done speaks for itself. A virtuoso musical genius.
@MikeMunoz24hraxis
I find myself waiting for the end of the movie just so I can hear this song.
@michaelbarr9364
How 'Acadie' didn't become a worldwide hit is beyond me , even to this day. The man is amazing. I've put songs from the album in playlists - played to family and friends stretching back many years - and invariably they always ask, "who sang that song?"
@susancorrigan9501
Acadie is one of my favorites.
@zackp3401
Thank you Father in Heaven for music and a glimpse into Your boundless love. River rise from your sleep.