Taking The Veil
David Sylvian Lyrics
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A little girl dreams of taking the veil
In dresses white, all set for sail
A little girl dreams of taking the veil
On beaches clean of sand and shell
A little girl dreams of taking the veil
All lightning bright and thunder loud
A little girl dreams safe and sound
Taking The Veil by David Sylvian is a song about the disillusionment and disappointment of childhood dreams. The verses are centered around the image of a little girl, dressed in white and ready to embark on a journey, dreaming of taking the veil. Taking the veil refers to the act of becoming a nun or renouncing worldly possessions in order to fully devote oneself to a spiritual or religious path. However, the chorus throws a wrench in the idyllic imagery of the verses, presenting a paradoxical reality where storms rage and lightning strikes, but the little girl still dreams safe and sound. This contrast between the idealistic images of purity and the harshness of reality is the main focus of the lyrics.
The song works on a few levels, serving as a commentary on the loss of innocence and the disappointment that comes with realizing that things aren't always as perfect as they seem. At the same time, the song also touches on the persistence of hope and the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the darkness and chaos that may surround us, we still hold onto our dreams and aspirations, no matter how naive they may seem.
Line by Line Meaning
In dresses white, all set for sail
The girl is dressed in white clothes, ready to embark on a journey.
A little girl dreams of taking the veil
The girl has a desire to become a nun and devote herself to a religious life.
In dresses white, all set for sail
Again, emphasizing the girl's readiness to embark on her spiritual journey.
A little girl dreams of taking the veil
Repeating the point that the girl aspires to live a life of religious devotion.
On beaches clean of sand and shell
The girl's dreams take place in a peaceful, empty setting.
A little girl dreams of taking the veil
The girl continues to dream of dedicating her life to religious service.
All lightning bright and thunder loud
Despite the potential challenges of this path, the girl imagines it as exciting and dramatic.
A little girl dreams safe and sound
The girl's dreams of nunhood offer her a sense of comfort and security.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAVID SYLVIAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Chigleybus
This is an underrated song. Even if you don't particularly like Sylvian, the stunning musicianship and mellow vocal should have lifted it much higher. Superb.
Michele Bravin
Please. Let's stop abusing the term underrated. There is nothing underrated in DS music .
Daniel Graham
David wasn't taking prisoners when this album was released.....wow it was and is the the most soulful, beautiful album I ever had the pleasure of getting at the age of 16, I think I creamed my pants when the lights were off one hour after purchase on vinyl..shivers down the spine. Pure bliss/pain
J LB
Looks like we are the same age 😄 ..... this album influenced my musical pathfinding
Zak
"brilliant trees" is also not to be despised....my most favorite of all records I ve ever heard.
KI SS
got this album then as well. so lucky we were exposed to such sophistocated music then....
jasonpfinch
I was 16 when it came out too and I loved every moment of this album. Still the pinnacle of Dave for me.
Jaytecx
Great track. The reggae-ish beats, choppy guitars and all around dreamyness is a pretty stellar simplicity.
Jaytecx
@Michele Bravin A good mantra for creativity.
Michele Bravin
I'd rather call it stellar complexity made it sound as simplicity ... 😉