in the sea
America/Jimmy Webb Lyrics
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On a moonlit night on wings of silver
As the enchanted stars sail serenely by
Do they know where do unicorns go
Where winged horses fly
Narwhales lost at sea and never seen again
Go, go and ask the magpie
Where do unicorns go
In the trees the birds have learned to speak
Gaily colored they keep their secrets
In a parade of clouds playing hide and seek
Do they know where do unicorns go
Where winged horses fly
Narwhales lost at sea and never seen again
Does myth and mystery lie
Where the unicorns go
The lyrics of "The Highwayman" by Jimmy Webb convey the mystical and surreal elements of nature, as well as the questions that humans have about what lies beyond our reality. The first verse sends the listener into a fantastical world where even fish have learned to fly and glide on the silver wings of moonlight. While this departure from reality seems only possible in a dream, the lyric suggests that it may be possible to explore the mysteries of life through the unknown depths of nature.
The second verse takes us to the trees where the birds, now able to speak, keep their secrets hidden from plain sight. The clouds that dance in disguise within the sky may hold the answers to where the unicorns go or where winged horses fly. As humans, we are curious about the hidden elements of life and often search for answers in the unknown. The song leaves room for interpretation, but the message behind the lyrics may be to encourage listeners to embrace mystery and the unknown.
Line by Line Meaning
In the sea the fish have learned to fly
The world we live in is full of wonder and anything is possible. Even fish could fly if they want to.
On a moonlit night on wings of silver
The dreamlike quality of the night sky is an invitation to explore the mysteries and wonders of the world.
As the enchanted stars sail serenely by
Nature is full of magic and beauty, and the sky at night is a perfect example of this.
Do they know where do unicorns go
There are many mysteries in the world that we may never fully understand, such as the existence and whereabouts of unicorns.
Where winged horses fly
If unicorns exist, perhaps there are other magical creatures that share the same realm, such as winged horses.
Narwhales lost at sea and never seen again
The ocean is vast and unknown, and there are still many creatures and mysteries that have yet to be discovered.
Go, go and ask the magpie
The magpie is a symbolic bird known for its knowledge of secrets and mysteries. It may hold the key to uncovering the secrets of the unicorns.
In the trees the birds have learned to speak
The natural world is full of surprises, and even birds can surprise us with their abilities to communicate in their own ways.
Gaily colored they keep their secrets
Nature is full of beauty and wonder, and even the most common creatures may hold secrets and mysteries that we have yet to discover.
In a parade of clouds playing hide and seek
The sky and its ever-shifting clouds are a source of endless possibilities and inspiration for those who take the time to appreciate them.
Does myth and mystery lie
The world is full of mysteries and legends that we may never fully be able to understand or explain.
Where the unicorns go
If unicorns do exist, it is likely that they inhabit a mystical realm that is beyond our understanding.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: WEBB
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
SonicX rich07
In Remembrance to The Last Unicorn (1982) animated film....
- Alan Arkin voice role as Schmendrick
(Born: March 26, 1934 – Died: June 29, 2023)
- Tammy Lee Grimes voice role as Molly Grue
(Born: January 30, 1934 – Died: October 30, 2016)
- Angela Lansbury voice role as Mommy Fortuna
(Born: October 16, 1925 – Died: October 11, 2022)
- Christopher Lee voice role as King Haggard
(Born: 27 May 1922 – Died: 7 June 2015)
- Keenan Wynn voice role as Captain Cully
(Born: July 27, 1916 – Died: October 14, 1986)
- Paul Frees voice role as Mabruk
(Born: June 22, 1920 – Died: November 2, 1986)
- Don Messick as Additional Voices
(Born: September 7, 1926 – Died: October 24, 1997)
- René Auberjonois voice role as Skull
(Born: June 1, 1940 – Died: December 8, 2019)
- Brother Theodore voice role as Ruhk
(Born: November 11, 1906 – Died: April 5, 2001)
- Ed Peck voice role as Jack Jingly, Cully's Men
(Born: March 26, 1917 – Died: September 12, 1992)
A. N.
Text
When the last eagle flies
over the last crumbling mountain
And the last lion roars at the last dusty fountain
In the shadow of the forest though she may be old and worn
They will stare unbelieving at the last unicorn
When the first breath of winter
through the flowers is icing
And you look to the north and a pale moon is rising
And it seems like all is dying and would leave the world to mourn In the distance
hear the laughter of the
last unicorn
I'm alive, I'm alive
When the last moon is cast
over the last star of morning
And the future has passed without even a last desperate warning
Then look into the sky where through the clouds a path is torn
Look and see her how she sparkles, it's the last unicorn
I'm alive, I'm alive
Philosphyfanatic
My all-time favorite film and one of my top ten of all time. I know so many people who refuse to believe me that this is a great movie. The Last Unicorn will always hold a really special spot in my heart!
Rebecca Gillis
Same!
Capt. Flanz
Hell yeah bro I even grew up watching it on the VHS tape cope my family had. A true childhood classic to me. 💯
Keith Davey
Try reading the book if you have not already. Fantastic
Dave House
I first saw it on a laser disk. Lol. Watched it about a 100 times as a kid and then laser disk technology was abandonned for the VHS... then I spent 20 years looking for a VHS copy. It was pre-easy buying on internet days so I had to actually go shopping and look. Anyway, eventually found it. Gotta admit, first time I heard the music again I teared up.
Jack G
Your favorite of all time or in your top ten of all time. I'm confused.
Dlnrl77Rosemary
I was 4 years old in 1982, and this movie was my life then. 💕🦄 I must have driven my parents completely mad asking them to watch this 100x a week easily. Awe, memories. ✌️💛✨
Lisa Petit
Me too !!!! 💙💙💚💚😪😪
brnsugr09
Me 3
Melinda Anderson
I was 9...made my parents take me to thetre twice to see it!