Republic of Eden
Foy Vance Lyrics


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Some people say they know it
For others, it's belief
Say they'd rather know than know it's make-believe
For those that have outgrown it
Those that up and leave
Know you can't control what's clearly mystery

Oh, I've longed to start the fires
So while I am still breathing
There is a revolution in the Republic of Eden

Consider the lion
Lying on the plain
Watch his eyes as he surveys the pride and wildebeest remains
Though he may not show
He's the king of his domain
And woe betide the lion that tries to challenge his reign

Well, he owes and he owns nothing
He's standing still, not breathing
In his eyes, the revolution in the Republic of Eden

And those exploring planets
Report no signs of God
By the whirling firmament
Out the window of the fuselage
And the space between us
Yet there's no us or them
Whether we were born of a bang
Or the aftermath of requiem

Oh, I am a raging fire
I'm standing still, not breathing
Yes, I am the revolution in the Republic of Eden

Oh well, we owe and we own nothing




We're standing still, not breathing
Yes, we are the revolution in the Republic of Eden

Overall Meaning

In "Republic of Eden," Foy Vance explores the contrast between different perspectives on knowledge, belief, and control. The first verse highlights the divide between those who claim to know the truth and those who rely on faith. While some people would rather have certainty even if it is based on illusions, others choose to embrace the mysteries of life and accept that they cannot control everything. The song suggests that those who have outgrown the need for absolute certainty are the ones who leave their previous beliefs behind.


The second verse uses the metaphor of a lion to symbolize an individual who has mastered their domain. The lion, representing someone who has found their place in the world and become confident in their abilities, is not concerned with ownership or owing anything to others. They stand still, observing, and any challenge to their position is met with consequences. This metaphor underscores the theme of asserting one's identity and not allowing others to undermine or disrupt it.


The third verse reflects on the quest for understanding beyond our own planet. Vance alludes to the absence of evidence for the existence of God in the exploration of space. The vastness of the universe and the lack of a clear distinction between "us" and "them" raise questions about humanity's place in the grand cosmic scheme. Whether we originated from a bang or the aftermath of a requiem, the song suggests that our search for meaning and understanding is innate, regardless of the answer.


The final chorus shifts the focus to the listener, identifying themselves as a "raging fire" and claiming to be the embodiment of the revolution within this imagined utopian place called the Republic of Eden. This can be interpreted as a call to embrace one's personal power and to recognize the potential for change that lies within oneself. By acknowledging that we owe and own nothing, the song encourages us to let go of attachments and limitations, freeing ourselves to be part of this revolution in our own lives and in the world.


Overall, "Republic of Eden" explores the themes of belief, control, self-empowerment, and acceptance of the unknown. It encourages listeners to embrace the journey of self-discovery, question societal norms, and actively participate in the revolution of their own lives.


Line by Line Meaning

Some people say they know it
There are individuals who claim to have an understanding of it


For others, it's belief
But for some, it is a matter of faith


Say they'd rather know than know it's make-believe
They express a preference for knowing the truth rather than believing in something imaginary


For those that have outgrown it
For those who have moved beyond it


Those that up and leave
Those who choose to depart


Know you can't control what's clearly mystery
They understand that it is impossible to control something that is evidently a mystery


Oh, I've longed to start the fires
Oh, I have desired to ignite passion and drive change


So while I am still breathing
While I am alive and have the opportunity


There is a revolution in the Republic of Eden
A revolution is taking place in the imaginary utopian realm known as the Republic of Eden


Consider the lion
Reflect upon the lion


Lying on the plain
Resting on the open grassland


Watch his eyes as he surveys the pride and wildebeest remains
Observe his eyes as he assesses the group of lions and the remains of wildebeests


Though he may not show
Even though he might not display it openly


He's the king of his domain
He is the dominant ruler of his territory


And woe betide the lion that tries to challenge his reign
And unfortunate is the lion that attempts to challenge his authority


Well, he owes and he owns nothing
Well, he possesses neither debts nor possessions


He's standing still, not breathing
He remains motionless, not even taking a breath


In his eyes, the revolution in the Republic of Eden
In his eyes, one can perceive the revolution happening in the Republic of Eden


And those exploring planets
Furthermore, those who are exploring other planets


Report no signs of God
State that they observe no evidence of a higher power


By the whirling firmament
In the midst of the spinning sky


Out the window of the fuselage
Through the aircraft's window


And the space between us
And the vast expanse that separates us


Yet there's no us or them
Nevertheless, there is no divide between us and them


Whether we were born of a bang
Regardless of whether our existence originated from a cosmic explosion


Or the aftermath of requiem
Or the aftermath of a mournful song or event


Oh, I am a raging fire
Oh, I am a fierce and passionate force


I'm standing still, not breathing
I remain immobile, not even taking a breath


Yes, I am the revolution in the Republic of Eden
Certainly, I am the catalyst of change in the Republic of Eden


Oh well, we owe and we own nothing
Well, we possess neither debts nor possessions


We're standing still, not breathing
We are stationary, not even taking a breath


Yes, we are the revolution in the Republic of Eden
Indeed, we are the agents of revolution in the Republic of Eden




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Foy Vance

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@DeniseInCanada

This is like worship music. You are anointed. I can feel they Holy Spirit and the presence of God. Blessings to you.

@MrKent84

Man, I felt the same thing. I got goosebumps from head to toe with this song.

@TalwinderDhillonTravels

I think, His father was a minister in America

@DeniseInCanada

@@TalwinderDhillonTravels Thanks.

@DeniseInCanada

@@MrKent84 I had never heard of Foy Vance.

@blakesutton4287

and yet this song seems to point to the conclusion that God is an illusion

6 More Replies...

@headshottheatredev1964

A man less known. But a brilliantly talented one.. If he ever comes to Jersey I'll just throw my wallet. Love all of what he creates. He sings our truths to life.

@MistikalMe

Yep me too. Wallet out

@MistikalMe

Yeah he does. Sing truths

@kevwilliams1

I’ve just booked 2 tickets to watch foy in Manchester in March 2022, I cannot wait! He’s so underrated and his music moves my soul

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