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
Childhood Memories
Eloy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From long ago but still so clear
With skies of blue, wind in my hair
We shared a moment without a single care
I still remember one summer's day
She held my hand to lead the way
And showed me treasures, love in her smile
Wild flowers were in bloom, wearing my crown of dew
And sunrays on the leaves danced in and out of view
Hear the stream that's flowing by
Swallows flying in the sky
All the beauties of the land
I began to understand
On that day she held my hand
Brilliant colours all around
Million wonders to be found
While the perfume in the air
Takes my senses unawares
Giving joy without compare
Her tender voice whispered a sound
And made my heart begin to pound
A children's rhyme rings in my ears
Captured in my mind to dissipate all fears
Roaming in my dream
Feeling as I did before
Safe within my memories
Opening that secret door
Brilliant colours all around
Million wonders to be found
Thousand graceful butterflies
Rise to fill this paradise
As they catch me by surprise
Hear the stream that's flowing by
Swallows flying in the sky
Endless haunting melodies
Spreading mystic poetry
To enlight my fantasy
There's a rainbow in my heart
Even though we had to part
Shining on forever bright
Like a diamond in the night
Always there to make things right
In the song "Childhood Memories" by Eloy, the singer is reminiscing about a special moment from their childhood. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the memory, complete with "skies of blue, wind in my hair," and "wild flowers...wearing my crown of dew." The singer is transported back to a time "without a single care" when they were led by someone special, holding their hand and showing them the wonders of the world. The imagery is full of joy and wonder, with "swallows flying in the sky" and "endless haunting melodies spreading mystic poetry."
The memory is powerful because it represents a moment of pure happiness and innocence. The singer sings about understanding the beauties of the land and feeling safe and happy within their memories. The soft melody and gentle vocals capture the feelings of nostalgia and longing for a simpler time. The song reminds us that the memories of our youth can stay with us forever, bringing joy even when we're feeling down.
Line by Line Meaning
Before my eyes pictures appear
I recall vivid memories from the past.
From long ago but still so clear
Those memories are still intense even though they are from a long time ago.
With skies of blue, wind in my hair
I remember the sensation of the wind in my hair and a blue sky.
We shared a moment without a single care
We enjoyed a carefree moment together.
I still remember one summer's day
I recall a specific summer.
She held my hand to lead the way
Someone held my hand while showing me the way.
And showed me treasures, love in her smile
That person shared something special with me, and I linked it to their smile.
We strolled the meadows and sang a lullaby
We walked in a meadow and sang calming music.
Wild flowers were in bloom, wearing my crown of dew
There were many bright flowers, and I had dew on my head.
And sunrays on the leaves danced in and out of view
Dancing sunlight would appear and disappear on the leaves.
Hear the stream that's flowing by
I hear the moving water in a stream.
Swallows flying in the sky
I see swallows in the sky.
All the beauties of the land
I admire the natural loveliness of the land.
I began to understand
I started to comprehend something.
On that day she held my hand
I recall someone holding my hand on that day.
Brilliant colours all around
There were stunning colors in every direction.
Million wonders to be found
I discovered many amazing things.
While the perfume in the air
Inhaling the aromatic air.
Takes my senses unawares
It overpowers my senses.
Giving joy without compare
I had a unique, irreplaceable sense of joy.
Her tender voice whispered a sound
I remember someone speaking softly.
And made my heart begin to pound
Their words made my heart beat faster.
A children's rhyme rings in my ears
I hear the sound of a nursery rhyme.
Captured in my mind to dissipate all fears
That rhyme helps me overcome my anxieties.
Roaming in my dream
I explore in my dream.
Feeling as I did before
I felt the same way I did before.
Safe within my memories
I felt secure within my remembrances.
Opening that secret door
I divulge a private memory.
Thousand graceful butterflies
There were many elegant butterflies.
Rise to fill this paradise
They added to the pleasant environment.
As they catch me by surprise
I was amazed and taken aback by them.
Endless haunting melodies
There were many long-lasting, captivating tunes.
Spreading mystic poetry
Those melodies seemed to be spreading, intricate words.
To enlight my fantasy
Their music enlivened my imagination.
There's a rainbow in my heart
I have an optimistic view of life.
Even though we had to part
Despite us separating.
Shining on forever bright
That optimism will perpetually continue.
Like a diamond in the night
It's as bright as a diamond in a dark sky.
Always there to make things right
It will help correct everything.
Contributed by Asher K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Hércules Dutra de Campos Filho
Excellent German band!!!! very melodic, very creative, one of the best prog bands ever!!!!
Amas
one of my favourite songs of all time my friend introduces this band to me years ago.
the statementallity
this song is sooooo beautiful,Frank is one talented bloke..
mehrdad mehrdad
back when music was art .nice memories with this song. thank you Eloy
Huequiman Garcia.
O eloy e demais !!!
Darco La Tes
Even after so many years.... Simply wonderful....
Mariusz Golczynski
Amazing song , band legend space /progressive rock. Forever!
D M
Охрененная вещь! Елой,группа не для всех.
Ԝändёr Măn
The best band from Germany!
Mariusz Golczynski
Niemieccy mistrzowie space rocka mają swoj urokliwy muzyczny styl.Powyzej ich piękny utwór.