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
Spirit In Chains 1993
Eloy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Images come alive
And you're invaded by your imagination
A blast of energy activates fading plans
You're motivated by your determination
It's a broken attempt to recover
All your thoughts going round in your mind
Could make your dreams come to life
Shine bright - bright
Behold your senseless life as you try to escape
The force will tend to ??? of your predestination
But in the evening sun everything's still the same
Another wasted chance you're drawn in resignation
Day by day as you're losing your vision
Losing touch with your real self inside
Falling prey to your own indecision
Wasting time
Set your spirit free - be what you will be
No one ever - say just what you mean
Overcome your fears - doubts will disappear
Bring to life your dreams and visions
All you wanna do - all you wanna see
No one ever - say just what you mean
They're destroying you - so that we burn
Make your move now
It's time to break the chains
You call out for help but no one cares
As desperation grows inside - deep in your heart
At last you've opened up your mind
Take a step towards the truth - all by yourself
Feel all emotions that have been denied
How they now come alive
You'd been deprived
That's like a breath of fresh air
That unites you with oxygene's life giving might
Day by day as you're losing your vision
Losing touch with your real self inside
Falling prey to your own indecision
Wasting time
Set your spirit free - be what you will be
No one ever - say just what you mean
Overcome your fears - doubts will disappear
Bring to life your dreams and visions
All you wanna do - all you wanna see
No one ever - say just what you mean
They're destroying you - so that we burn
Make your move now
It's time to break the chains
The lyrics of "Spirit In Chains" by Eloy are about a person who is awakened by the dawn and invaded by their imagination. The person is motivated by their determination to recover from their broken attempt to discover their hidden power, which could help them bring their dreams to life. However, they are losing touch with their real self inside, and falling prey to their own indecision, wasting their time day by day. The person calls out for help, but no one cares, and their desperation grows inside.
Finally, the person opens up their mind and takes a step towards the truth all by themselves. They set their spirit free and overcome their fears, bringing their dreams and visions to life. The lyrics encourage the listener to break the chains that hold them back and make a move towards their dreams.
The song's message highlights the importance of self-discovery and the pursuit of freedom to live one's life to the fullest. The lyrics suggest that only by breaking free from the chains that hold them back can individuals manifest their dreams and passions. The song's uplifting lyrics and inspirational message make it a rallying cry for those in search of hope and inner strength.
Line by Line Meaning
Awakened by the dawn
As the morning light breaks the darkness of night, you too awaken to a new day
Images come alive
The images in your mind become vivid and real
And you're invaded by your imagination
Your mind is overwhelmed by fantastical thoughts and ideas
A blast of energy activates fading plans
A sudden burst of motivation stirs up your old, forgotten plans
You're motivated by your determination
Your desire to succeed drives you forward
It's a broken attempt to recover
Despite your efforts, you still struggle to regain what you lost
All your thoughts going round in your mind
Your mind is cluttered with thoughts and ideas that loop endlessly
As the power you failed to discover
You failed to harness your own inner strength and potential
Could make your dreams come to life
If you tap into that power, you could make your dreams a reality
Shine bright - bright
Your optimism and positivity can shine brightly and inspire others
Behold your senseless life as you try to escape
You look at your life and feel lost, searching for a way out
The force will tend to ??? of your predestination
External forces may try to dictate your path, taking away your sense of choice and control
But in the evening sun everything's still the same
Despite any changes that may occur, the patterns of your life remain the same
Another wasted chance you're drawn in resignation
You let opportunities slip away and are losing hope
Day by day as you're losing your vision
Every day you feel yourself slipping further away from your goals
Losing touch with your real self inside
You feel disconnected from your true identity and purpose
Falling prey to your own indecision
Your inability to make decisions is hindering your progress
Wasting time
You're not making progress towards your goals and are wasting valuable time
Set your spirit free - be what you will be
Free yourself from inhibitions and be true to yourself
No one ever - say just what you mean
Don't hold back, speak your mind and be honest with yourself and others
Overcome your fears - doubts will disappear
Confront your fears and doubts head-on, and they will lose their hold on you
Bring to life your dreams and visions
Act on your dreams and ideas, and turn them into a reality
All you wanna do - all you wanna see
Pursue what you truly desire with passion and enthusiasm
They're destroying you - so that we burn
External forces are harmful and toxic, and can cause destruction in your life and the lives of those around you
Make your move now
Take action towards your goals, don't wait any longer
It's time to break the chains
Free yourself from the limitations and obstacles that hold you back
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Frank Bornemann, Michael Gerlach
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind