Faith and the Muse, formed in 1993, are vocalist and songwriter Monica Rich… Read Full Bio ↴Faith and the Muse, formed in 1993, are vocalist and songwriter Monica Richards (formerly of Strange Boutique and the mid-80s Washington DC punk band Madhouse) and William Faith (formerly of Christian Death and Shadow Project). The duo draws from a wide array of styles: gothic rock, ethereal, Celtic, post-punk, and even jazz. Neo-pagan and Celtic mythology influences much of their lyrical content. While their sound varies greatly from song to song, their music is always highly emotional and spiritual, with a cathartic and epic character.

Their debut album "Elyria" was released in 1993 and was followed by "Annwyn, Beneath The Waves" in 1996, in part a concept album based around the four elements. 1999 saw the release of their third album, "Evidence of Heaven". In 2001, "Vera Causa" a 2 CD set featuring a live permormance and various rarities was released. "The Burning Season" followed in 2004, and featured a more rock oriented formula. They continued to explore the boundaries of Gothic Rock with their 2009 album, :ankoku butoh: , an album which saw them delve into far-east Asian aesthetics.

Faith and the Muse currently live in Los Angeles, California, USA. Their website is http://www.mercyground.com

Hollow Hills
Faith and the Muse Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Ancient earthwork fort and barrow
Discreetly hide their secret abodes
The most fearful hide deep inside
And venture not there upon Yuletide

For invasion of their hollow hills
That music hold and Oberon fill
Is surely recommended not

For fear of death in fear of rot

Hollow hills
Hollow hills
Hollow hills
Hollow hills

Baleful sounds and wild voices ignored
Ill luck disaster the one reward
Violated sanctity of supermen's hills
So sad love lies there still
So sad
So sad
Hollow hills
Hollow hills
Witches too and goblins too and speckled sills
Lament repent oh mortal you

So sad
So sad

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Faith and the Muse's song "Hollow Hills" paint a picture of ancient earthwork forts and barrows that conceal their mysterious and dangerous secrets. The song speaks of the fear of trespassing upon the hollow hills during Yuletide, as the music that fills these hills is said to be hauntingly beautiful and powerful, but also deadly. The lyrics advise against invading these hills for fear of death and rot. The hollow hills are home to baleful sounds and wild voices, and those who ignore the warnings and violate the sanctity of these ancient sites will face ill luck and disaster.

The lyrics also hint at the existence of witches, goblins and speckled sills in these hills, all of which add to the aura of mystery and danger surrounding these ancient sites. The song speaks of the sadness that lies within these hills, as they have been violated by humans, yet their sanctity remains. The words "lament repent oh mortal you" implore the listener to reflect on their actions and the consequences of desecrating these sacred sites.

The lyrics of "Hollow Hills" can be interpreted in many ways, but they seem to convey a warning against the invasion and violation of ancient and sacred places. The hollow hills are portrayed as places of beauty, power, and danger, and the song reminds us to respect and honor these sites.

Line by Line Meaning

Ancient earthwork fort and barrow
A very old fortress and tomb made of earth

Discreetly hide their secret abodes
They are hidden away from sight and kept secret

The most fearful hide deep inside
Even the most scared creatures hide in the depths of the fort and tomb

And venture not there upon Yuletide
No one dares go there on Christmas

For invasion of their hollow hills
If you try to enter their secret abodes

That music hold and Oberon fill
You will hear music and feel the presence of a powerful fairy king named Oberon

Is surely recommended not
It's not a good idea

For fear of death in fear of rot
Because you might die or be cursed

Hollow hills
The fort and tomb are empty and eerie

Baleful sounds and wild voices ignored
Spiteful sounds and untamed voices that are ignored

Ill luck disaster the one reward
Misfortune and calamity is what you'll get