His music, very dynamic and colorful, has been categorized as World Music, Jazz, New Age or even Classical; two of his albums were number 1 on the Billboard charts simultaneously in the categories Classical, Jazz, Pop and Crossover for many weeks. His primary instrument is an electrically modified harp of his own design, but he also plays a wide variety of instruments from around the world, including the Chinese guzheng. His albums feature many musicians performing his compositions with him, ranging from simple solos to suites for orchestra and soloists. His music is mostly instrumental but he has occasionally forayed into vocal music as well. Vollenweider's has been recording music since 1979, and throughout his career has released a total of 24 albums.
Passage to Promise
Andreas Vollenweider Lyrics
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Let's go to Tahiti
Well, the man been working in the shop all year
He said "Men, we've got to get out of here"
Well, the girl been working in the five-and-dime
She says, "Girls, let's go while we've still got the time"
Let's go to Tahiti
Tell the captain 'Put the rum on the boat'
Everybody on board, let's see if she'll float
Let that old jet plane fly on by
We've got the time till the day we die
Let's go to Tahiti
Let's go to Tahiti
Let's Go To Tahiti
These lyrics portray a sense of escapism and desire to break free from the mundane routine of everyday life. The singer is suggesting putting all responsibilities and worries aside and embarking on a journey to Tahiti, a place known for its exotic beauty and relaxed atmosphere.
The opening lines, "Well, the man been working in the shop all year, he said 'Men, we've got to get out of here,'" indicate that the singer is addressing a group of friends or colleagues who are feeling trapped by their daily routine. The next line, "Well, the girls been working in the five-and-dime, she says, 'Girls, let's go while we've still got the time,'" seems to suggest that this desire to break free is not unique to men, but to women as well. The repeated chorus, "Let's go to Tahiti," emphasizes the urgency and longing for adventure and escape.
The later lyrics, "Tell the captain 'Put the rum on the boat', everybody on board, let's see if she'll float," adds to this sense of carefree abandon and willingness to indulge in earthly pleasures. The final line, "We've got the time till the day we die," adds a bittersweet touch, acknowledging that life is fleeting and we should make the most of it while we can.
Line by Line Meaning
Let's go to Tahiti
Expressing a wish or desire to travel to the exotic tropical paradise of Tahiti
Well, the man been working in the shop all year
The man has been laboring tirelessly in his workshop the entire year
He said 'Men, we've got to get out of here'
He asserts that they must escape from their mundane routine and explore the world beyond
Well, the girl been working in the five-and-dime
The woman has been working in a small store where items are priced at five and ten cents
She says, 'Girls, let's go while we've still got the time'
She suggests that they should embark on a journey while they are young and free from responsibilities
Tell the captain 'Put the rum on the boat'
Order the captain to load the vessel with alcoholic beverages
Everybody on board, let's see if she'll float
Encouraging everyone to embark on the journey and test the seaworthiness of the boat
Let that old jet plane fly on by
Disregard the modern and conventional mode of transportation, and instead opt for a journey by sea
We've got the time till the day we die
The artist asserts that they have enough time, even until their death, to experience new adventures
Let's go to Tahiti
Expressing a yearning to journey to the enticing allure of Tahiti
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANDREAS VOLLENWEIDER, JOSEPH SHABALALA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind