Xanadu
Electric Light Orchestra & Olivia Newton-John Lyrics
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The love that we came to know
They call it Xanadu
And now, open your eyes and see
What we have made is real
We are in Xanadu
A million lights are dancing
An everlasting world
And you're here with me, eternally
Xanadu, Xanadu
(Now we are here) in Xanadu
Xanadu, Xanadu
(Now we are here) in Xanadu
Xanadu, your neon lights
Will shine for you, Xanadu
The love that echoes of long ago
You needed the world to know
They are in Xanadu
The dream that came
Through a million years
That lived through all the tears
It came to Xanadu
A million lights are dancing
And there you are, a shooting star
An everlasting world
And you're here with me, eternally
Xanadu, Xanadu
(Now we are here) in Xanadu
Xanadu, Xanadu
(Now we are here) in Xanadu
Now that I'm here
Now that you're near, in Xanadu
Now that I'm here
Now that you're near, in Xanadu
Xanadu
The lyrics to Electric Light Orchestra's song Xanadu describe a mythical, magical place that nobody dared to go until the love that the singers came to know led them there. This place, called Xanadu, is portrayed as a utopian location that the singers are now present in, and they beckon listeners to "open your eyes and see" that what they have created is real. The place is filled with a million lights that dance, and it is an everlasting world where the singers are eternally present.
The second verse of the song speaks of a love that echoes from long ago and how the dream that came through a million years and lived through all the tears has finally come to Xanadu. The chorus is repeated once more, emphasizing the point that the singers and listeners are now in Xanadu, with the neon lights shining for them. The final verse speaks of the singers being near each other in Xanadu and beckoning listeners to join them in this utopian world. The lyrics overall emphasize the beauty and magic of a place called Xanadu and how the love that the singers and listeners have found has taken them there.
Line by Line Meaning
A place where nobody dared to go
Xanadu is a place that was previously unexplored and undiscovered by anyone.
The love that we came to know
The love referred to is the feeling of being in Xanadu and experiencing its wonder.
They call it Xanadu
The name of this magical place is Xanadu.
And now, open your eyes and see
The artist is urging the listener to take notice and observe what has been created in Xanadu.
What we have made is real
The wonders that are present in Xanadu are not an illusion, but a real and tangible creation.
We are in Xanadu
The singer is stating that they are currently in Xanadu.
A million lights are dancing
There are many lights in Xanadu that seem to move and dance.
And there you are, a shooting star
The person being addressed is compared to a shooting star, meaning that they are radiant and full of energy.
An everlasting world
Xanadu is a world that will exist forever and will never fade away.
And you're here with me, eternally
The individual being addressed will always be present in Xanadu, as a constant companion to the artist.
Xanadu, Xanadu
The name of the song is repeated.
(Now we are here) in Xanadu
The artist is emphasizing that they are currently in Xanadu and experiencing its wonders.
Xanadu, your neon lights
Xanadu is described as having bright and colorful neon lights.
Will shine for you, Xanadu
The lights in Xanadu are a symbol of its beauty and will continue to shine for all those who experience it.
The love that echoes of long ago
The intense feeling of love that is present in Xanadu has existed for a long time and can still be felt by those who enter it.
You needed the world to know
The artist is expressing that they want others to know about the love and beauty found in Xanadu.
They are in Xanadu
The love and all its wonder is present in Xanadu.
The dream that came
The creation of Xanadu was a dream that became a reality.
Through a million years
Xanadu and its wonders feel timeless, as if it has been around for millions of years.
That lived through all the tears
Despite hardships and sadness, Xanadu has lived on and endured.
It came to Xanadu
The dream that became a reality came to exist in Xanadu.
Now that I'm here
The artist is expressing their appreciation for being present in Xanadu.
Now that you're near, in Xanadu
The individual being addressed is also present in Xanadu, enhancing the singer's enjoyment of the experience.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jeff Lynne
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@carolinab3404
I have never cried for the loss of a celebrity until today. There will never be another.. her music is amazing and have it on every play list I own. This song never got the credit it deserved.. I'm just devastated. RIP Olivia.. thanks for the memories your songs bring.
@ArneList
In Germany, this is her most popular song.
@javierperez-hi8ss
😥😥😥😥😥😥😥
@erikakathleen509
I feel a great loss. We really are here in Xanadu now. A lovely lady, Olivia.
@NormanPeterson
We are all shedding tears..
@dacostastaffingenterprises1930
Sis same! Same here I’m so heartbroken!! 💔💔
@Sinking_Sunset
The most ABBA sounding non-ABBA song.
@wanttosayadrem2551
Only ELO, quite different sound IMO
@ksalphalcsihp1252
Just like what I thought... 😂😂😂
@cheryla2370
Great comment; )