The b… Read Full Bio ↴Crown Lands is a Canadian rock music duo from Oshawa, Ontario.
The band consists of vocalist and drummer Cody Bowles, and guitarist, bassist and keyboardist Kevin Comeau. Bowles is Mi'kmaq and Two-Spirit, while Comeau is Jewish. With a prog-rock flare, the duo compose music and lyrics inspired by Indigenous resistance to colonialism. They have stated that their name, "Crown Lands", communicates a desire to disrupt the concept of Canadian "crown land", government-held lands stolen from First Nations.
The Witching Hour
Crown Lands Lyrics
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The land is ruled by evil eyes
(Those fools)
Commanded by hallowed books
Soon to be overruled
The leaves that fall in autumn′s gaze
Are carried by howling winds
Across a fleeting sunset grove
As the world burns, yeah
Stoke the fires
I'll be there
When you′re all alone
Stoke the fires
I'll be there
I'll be there
Beyond the veil of midnight stir
The wicked ones who own the night
Silver wings as she takes flight
As the world burns, yeah
Stoke the fires
I′ll be there
When you′re all alone
Stoke the fires
I'll be there
I′ll be there
As the world burns
Stoke the fires
I'll be there
When you′re all alone
Stoke the fires
I'll be there
I′ll be there
Witching hour
The witching hour has come
The witching hour is here, oh-woah
The song "The Witching Hour" by Crown Lands appears to be a narrative about a time in history that is centuries past, where the land was ruled by evil tyrants and their followers, who were commanded by hallowed books. However, this oppressive rule eventually comes to an end, as nature takes its course and the changing seasons bring about the downfall of the wicked.
The leaves falling in autumn are indicative of this change, and they are carried off by howling winds, presumably to a place where they can be free. There are forces beyond the physical realm that are at work during this time, as the veil of midnight is stirred, and the wicked ones who own the night begin to emerge. The song suggests that these Wicked Ones are evil spirits or supernatural creatures who lurk in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike.
Despite all of this darkness, the song also offers a glimmer of hope. As the world burns, and chaos abounds, there is someone who will be there to help. This person is calling out to the listener, urging them to "stoke the fires" and be brave in the face of danger. The Witching Hour may be frightening, but it is also a time of transformation and new beginnings.
Line by Line Meaning
In a long forgotten time
The events take place in the depths of history and have been lost to time.
The land is ruled by evil eyes
The people in power are corrupt and sinister.
(Those fools)
This is the singer's opinion of those who follow the corrupt rulers.
Commanded by hallowed books
The rulers use holy texts to justify their actions and control their followers.
Soon to be overruled
The oppressive regime will not last forever and will eventually be replaced.
The leaves that fall in autumn's gaze
The natural cycle of decay is a metaphor for the decay of society and the fall of the corrupt rulers.
Are carried by howling winds
The winds of change and revolution are coming.
Across a fleeting sunset grove
The fleeting sunset symbolizes the end of the current order and the beginning of a new era.
As the world burns, yeah
The world is in chaos and crisis, and the artist is acknowledging this fact.
Stoke the fires
The artist is encouraging action and rebellion in response to the crisis.
I'll be there
The singer is offering support and solidarity to those who are fighting for change.
When you're all alone
The artist is acknowledging that resistance can be lonely and difficult, but they will stand with those who need them.
Beyond the veil of midnight stir
The veil of midnight is a metaphor for the boundary between the physical and spiritual worlds, and the wicked ones are stirring beyond it.
The wicked ones who own the night
There are dark forces that control the night and use it to their advantage.
Silver wings as she takes flight
This is a reference to the iconic image of witches flying on broomsticks, which represents subversion and rebellion against the established order.
Witching hour
The witching hour is the moment when magic and transformation can occur.
The witching hour has come
This is a call to action, announcing that the time for resistance is now.
The witching hour is here, oh-woah
This is a repetition of the previous line to emphasize the urgency of the moment.
Writer(s): Cody Bowles, Kevin Comeau
Contributed by Dylan F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@1991jdclark
Can't get enough of these guys, GVF and Bad Flower. Crown land lyrics have a Rush vibe. Everyone compares Crown Land and GVF to Zeppelin. I hear a Rush and Queen more. Regardless so happy these two met.
@charlieflynn2377
Man, it’s SO CRAZY how my band use to play shows with you guys back in Oshawa. I’m so happy you guys made it! You’re both so talented and I am forever grateful to have known you personally, played shows with you, and even managed your sound back at the good old wasted space!
@CrownLandsMusic
Miss those days!! Thank you so much and that gratitude goes both ways.
Hope to see ya around town sometime when things open up and live shows are a thing again!
@VangeliRock
Saw them back up for Jack White, first ever seen or heard of them. They blew me away.
@jstformusic3990
That's totally rad! 🤘🏻 Best of luck to you as well!
@ponraul1221
This is the music we've been lacking.
@maureenwagg5305
Finally. Music from today that makes me feel like I'm in the seventies again. Love it so much. The clothes, the awesome hair and that beautiful classic progressive rock style I grew up listening to and my oldest son still listens to. This is fantastic.
@msannthrope_2049
✨👍🔥
@DD-hy1nl
I feel time has turned back to the late 60's early 70's!!!!
@VangeliRock
This song is a flat out Masterpiece. As is every other song they've written. I cannot describe in any human words how much their music excites and moves me.