Misirlou
Johnny & The Wasters Lyrics
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Natives kneel in prayer by their caravans.
There, silhouetted under and eastern star,
I see my long lost blossom of shalimar
You, Misirlou, Are the moon and the sun, fairest one.
We'll find our Kismet, answering love's command.
You, Misirlou, are a dream of delight in the night.
To an oasis, sprinkled by stars above,
Heaven will guide us, Allah will bless our love.
In the song "Misirlou" by Johnny & The Wasters, the lyrics evoke a sense of mystery and allure, set against the backdrop of the desert. The opening line, "Desert shadows creep across purple sands," paints a vivid picture of a barren landscape taken over by darkness. The mention of "natives kneel in prayer by their caravans" suggests a cultural richness and spiritual connection to the land.
As the song progresses, the singer's attention is drawn to a figure who stands out amongst the shadows under an eastern star, referred to as "my long lost blossom of shalimar." This phrase conveys a deep longing for someone who may have been absent for a significant period of time. The use of "Misirlou" as a name for this person adds an exotic and mysterious touch to the song.
The chorus further emphasizes the singer's fascination and admiration for Misirlou, claiming that they are both the moon and the sun, representing beauty and radiance. The lyrics continue to evoke a sense of destiny and fate, as "old temple bells are calling across the sand" and the search for "Kismet" (meaning destiny or fate) is mentioned. The overall sentiment is one of seeking love and finding solace and fulfillment in the presence of Misirlou, who is described as a dream of delight in the night.
Overall, "Misirlou" suggests a story of desire, longing, and spiritual connection in a desert landscape, with Misirlou personifying a love interest who brings light and fulfillment to the singer's life.
Line by Line Meaning
Desert shadows creep across purple sands.
The dark shadows slowly move over the vibrant purple sand of the desert.
Natives kneel in prayer by their caravans.
The indigenous people bow down in worship near their mobile shelters.
There, silhouetted under an eastern star,
In that moment, illuminated by a star in the east,
I see my long lost blossom of shalimar.
I catch sight of my beloved, who I thought I had lost forever.
You, Misirlou, Are the moon and the sun, fairest one.
You, Misirlou, are the embodiment of both the moon and the sun, the most beautiful one.
Old temple bells are calling across the sand.
The ancient bells of a temple echo through the sandy terrain.
We'll find our Kismet, answering love's command.
We will discover our destiny, fulfilling the call of love.
You, Misirlou, are a dream of delight in the night.
You, Misirlou, are a joyous dream that brings pleasure during the darkness of night.
To an oasis, sprinkled by stars above,
To a sanctuary, adorned with stars from the heavens,
Heaven will guide us, Allah will bless our love.
Divine forces will lead us, as Allah bestows blessings upon our love.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Fred Wise, Jose Pina, Milton Leeds, Nicholas Roubanis, Sidney Russell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind