Joy & Breath of Eternity
Norway (1979)
The Norweg… Read Full Bio ↴Alf Emil Eik
Joy & Breath of Eternity
Norway (1979)
The Norwegian multi-instrumentalist Alf Emil Eik recorded and released this album on the Harvest-label in 1979. Eik produced the album himself and played all the instruments, including bass, drums, guitar, bells, moog, Mellotron and string-synths. He also sings on a few tracks. Musically this is symphonic progressive rock with a jazzy edge. The songs vary from lush, beautiful and Mellotron-drenched tracks like "Crying" (great use and combination of the string and choir-sounds of the Mellotron) and "Heart" to energetic, jazzy instrumental journeys like "Joy" and "The Present Age". Both these tracks are some of the better fusion-influenced progressive rock I've heard, and Eik's bass playing is very impressive and reminds me in a way of Chris Squire. "Breath of Eternity" is also quite jazzy, but in a much more laid-back style and creates some pleasant and dreamy atmospheres. "To You" and "Care" are nice vocal-tracks with obvious Yes-influences in the arrangements, and there are also some nice interludes like "Morning Glory" and the majestic "March of Earth" here. "After All" is actually "To You" played backwards! This is a good album with a very nice atmosphere and was one of the few symphonic progressive rock albums released in 1979.
Prayer
Alf Emil Eik Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let your arms enfold us
Through the dark of night
Will your angels hold us
'Til we see the light?
Hush, lay down your troubled mind
The day has vanished and left us behind
Will soothe, so close your weary eyes
(Chorus)
Sleep, angels will watch over you
And soon beautiful dreams will come true
Can you feel spirits embracing your soul?
So dream while secrets of darkness unfold
(Chorus twice)
Alf Emil Eik's song "Prayer" is a beautiful and soothing track that talks about human vulnerability and the need for protection and guidance. The chorus begs for someone or something to enfold and hold through the dark of night until seeing the light. It is important to mention that the word "prayer" is not mentioned in the song, but the lyrics express its fundamental concept.
The first verse encourages listeners to release their troubled mind and indicates that the day has gone, so it is time to rest. The wind functions as a mother figure, whispering lullabies to soothe and calm the listener. It may also be interpreted as a metaphor for the divine/spiritual world that communicates with humans through nature. In the second verse, listeners are told to sleep since angels are watching over them, and beautiful dreams will come true. The line "Can you feel spirits embracing your soul?" refers to the idea that humans are not only flesh and bones, but they have a spiritual essence that is interwoven with nature and the divine.
Line by Line Meaning
Let your arms enfold us
May your loving embrace comfort and protect us
Through the dark of night
During times of fear and uncertainty
Will your angels hold us
May your divine messengers watch over us
'Til we see the light?
Until we find hope and clarity
Hush, lay down your troubled mind
Quiet your worried thoughts
The day has vanished and left us behind
The challenges of the day have passed
And the wind whispering soft lullabies
The gentle breeze carries calming melodies
Will soothe, so close your weary eyes
Offering solace, so rest your tired eyes
Sleep, angels will watch over you
Slumber peacefully, for angels protect you
And soon beautiful dreams will come true
Enjoy sweet reveries that bring joy and hope
Can you feel spirits embracing your soul?
Can you sense the spiritual presence uplifting you?
So dream while secrets of darkness unfold
Let your mind wander as you discover hidden truths
(Chorus twice)
May your loving embrace comfort us during times of fear and uncertainty, with your divine messengers watching over us until we find hope and clarity.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JAMES NEWTON HOWARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind