Founded in 1969 by guitarist Frank Bornemann, the band has endured several line-up changes, with Bornemann being the only consistent member of the group. In the 1980s, after a series of major splits (like in 1984 although reformed in 1988) in the group, Bornemann pursued a more commercial direction. Despite attracting a large following, the band never gained popularity in the United States.
However, in later years, former members of the band re-joined, and in 1998 fans delighted in hearing Ocean 2, a return to the classic symphonic progressive genre that the band was so well known for. A sequel to the 1977's original, it is commonly thought among fans that it successfully recaptures the spirit of the band, and is a worthy follow-up to the much beloved classic.
Of the band's numerous records, fans generally consider Inside, Floating, Dawn, Ocean, Silent Cries & Mighty Echoes, Planets and Ocean 2 to be the superior albums.
Despite their nationality, the band is not generally considered krautrock due to their sound which has much more in common with English progressive groups such as Pink Floyd and Yes.
In 2009 after a decade of hiatus Frank Bornemann released a DVD celebrating their 40th anniversary and a new album called Visionairy.
In the following period he worked on a concept double album about the life of the Maid of Orleans, Jeanne d'Arc. The album The Vision, the Sword and the Pyre, Pt. 1 was released in 2017, followed by The Vision, the Sword and the Pyre, Pt. 2 in 2019.
Current Line-up:
Frank Bornemann
Klaus-Peter Matziol
Hannes Arkona
Hannes Folberth
Bodo Schopf
Bells of Notre Dame
Eloy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But it still carries on, I don't know what to think it's unreal:
The world seems to start outside of my body, I don't know what I feel.
In these four hallowed walls the peal of the bells remind me
Of my journey through time but my thoughts still remain with Jeanne:
I wish she were with me, I need her here
The lyrics to Eloy's song Bells of Notre Dame portray a sense of disbelief and confusion in the singer's mind. The opening lines convey a sense of finality where a dream has come to an end, yet it continues to persist in the singer's mind. The singer tries to rationalize the situation, but it feels unreal and outside of their control. The world seems to exist outside of the singer's body, and they are unable to comprehend their emotions.
The singer then reflects on their journey through time, captured by the peal of the bells in the inescapable soundscape of Notre Dame. However, while reflecting, the singer's thoughts remain with Jeanne, whom they wish was with them. The final line, "I need her here," suggests that the singer is struggling to come to terms with their own loneliness and how it contrasts the larger-than-life bell soundscape ringing outside of their four walls.
Overall, the song's lyrics suggest that the singer is struggling to reconcile their own emotional turmoil with the grandeur surroundings of Notre Dame. It is a poignant exploration of how even the most beautiful and awe-inspiring structures can sometimes highlight the loneliness within our own hearts.
Line by Line Meaning
It seems like a dream that's come to an end
The situation feels surreal and uncertain, like a dream abruptly ending.
But it still carries on, I don't know what to think it's unreal
Despite the uncertainty, the situation persists and the singer is struggling to comprehend its reality.
The world seems to start outside of my body, I don't know what I feel
The singer feels disconnected from the world around them and is struggling to process their emotions.
In these four hallowed walls the peal of the bells remind me
The bells of the Notre Dame cathedral evoke memories and emotions for the artist within the walls of the church.
Of my journey through time but my thoughts still remain with Jeanne
The bells evoke memories of the artist's past, but their thoughts are still focused on Jeanne, perhaps a loved one or a significant memory.
I wish she were with me, I need her here
The singer longs for the companionship and support of Jeanne to help them cope with their emotional turmoil.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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