The session singer Miriam Stockley performed the vocal parts on the first four albums. Additional vocals were provided by Mary Carewe on all but Dances of Time, which saw the introduction of the Finnish Adiemus Singers (who would later reappear on Vocalise). Extra vocals and the chorus effects were created by overdubbing multitracked recordings of the singers (in some cases up to forty times) and varying the speed of the tape. Stockley was described by Jenkins as central to the Adiemus project due to her range and intonation, however for reasons that remain unclear she was not re-engaged for Vocalise.
The Songs of Sanctuary orchestra consisted of a string section augmented by various ethnic percussion instruments, with occasional further additions such as bells, a recorder and a quena. Mike Ratledge, with whom Jenkins had played in Soft Machine, contributed to the first album as well. Jenkins added brass and woodwind for Cantata Mundi, and continued to add more diverse instruments such as acoustic guitar on later albums. From Songs of Sanctuary to Dances of Time, the London Philharmonic Orchestra was used; Jenkins later formed his own Adiemus Orchestra to perform on The Eternal Knot recordings, returning to the LPO for Vocalise.
Hymn
Adiemus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I ma lo ma I
I ma lo ma yei a ma
Ei a ma ei
I ma lo ma yei a ma
Yei a ma yei
Ti a ma lo ma a
Ti a ma lo ma a
Ti a ma lo ma ti
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I ma lo ma I
I ma lo ma yei a ma
Ei a ma ei
A yu ba yei
Adiemus's song “Hymn” is a powerful and emotional piece that combines African and Celtic elements to create a unique and memorable track. The lyrics of the song are in an unknown language and they are often interpreted as having no meaning. However, these lyrics are designed to evoke deep emotions in the listener without using traditional language structures.
The first verse, with its repeated “Yeah, yeah, yeahs,” serves as an introduction to the song and sets the mood. The following verses are more complex, with more intricate repetitions of the lyrics. The chorus contains the phrase “I ma lo ma I,” repeated over and over, along with the addition of “yei a ma” and “ei a ma.” This repetition creates a mesmerizing effect that draws the listener further into the song.
The second verse adds in the phrase “Ti a ma lo ma a” which is also repeated throughout the song. Together with the first verse, this creates a layered and complex musical experience that invites the listener to explore their emotions and connect with the music on a deeper level. The final verse ends with “A yu ba yei,” adding to the mystery of the lyrics and leaving the listener with a sense of awe at the power of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
The repeated use of 'yeah' is an expression of enthusiasm and agreement.
I ma lo ma I
The singer is uniting with their inner self or spirit, represented by the phrase 'I ma lo ma' (I belong to the spirit).
I ma lo ma yei a ma
Further emphasizing the connection with the spirit, 'yei a ma' could be interpreted as the sound of the breath, suggesting a meditative state.
Ei a ma ei
This is an extension of the meditative state, with the sound 'ei' representing a chant or mantra used to help focus the mind.
Yei a ma yei
The repetition of 'yei a ma' could be seen as an extension of the earlier interpretation, as a repeated meditative chant.
Ti a ma lo ma a
The phrase 'Ti a ma lo ma', meaning 'I belong to the earth', could be interpreted as an acknowledgement of the singer's connection to nature and the world around them.
Ti a ma lo ma a
This line is repeated, further emphasizing the singer's sense of belonging and connection to the earth.
Ti a ma lo ma ti
The tone changes with the final line of the verse, 'Ti a ma lo ma ti', an assertion of the singer's place and belonging within the world.
A yu ba yei
The conclusion of the song, 'A yu ba yei' is open to interpretation, but could be seen as an expression of gratitude, thanks or respect to the spiritual forces and the natural world the singer feels connected to.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Karl William Jenkins, Mike Ratledge
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Coral Mark-Skitten
Such beauty in a song! This could be for any occasion I feel, like a wedding or a send off.... Perfect ❤️❤️
ラッキー坊や
20年前に、エンヤのCDと間違ってレンタルしてしまい、仕方なく聴いてみると涙が止まらなかった。その後、アディエマスに夢中になり、コンサートに行きました。今でも、聴くと癒されます。
田中麗美
やっと辿り着いた。とっても素敵な音楽をありがとう。
WanderingQuill
Awesome. I've never even heard of Karl Jenkins until now. This is amazing music. :) 5 stars.
steve okocha
The song takes me to heaven. There are 17 demons who disliked this.
Brénainn Mac Thomáis
It has always done the same for me! I could always rest in comfort and feeling protected with this one! This truly does come from Heaven Itself! Miriam Stockley is such an Angel! I miss the days of Adiemus with her in the band! I also love her solo work, but this is my all-time favourite!
MoneTali Monolis [Tóth László]
But rare, but demons can be good :)
rellum4378
Song of heaven, gods and angels. This is what earth can be without human nature's dark side.
Hydreigion
Beautiful.so proud to be Welsh
しんたま
プラネタリウムでかかってるの聴いてから、yehyehyehしかわからずどう検索しても探せなかった。
16年もかかったよ･･･感動してるありがとう。