singer-songwriter and actor. He has also performed and recorded with the English Folk-Rock act Johnny Flynn & The Sussex Wit.
Flynn released his debut album, A Larum, in 2008. This was followed by the Sweet William EP in 2009 and his second album Been Listening in 2010. 'Been Listening' includes the singles album Kentucky Pill, Barnacled Warship and The Water, which features a duet with Laura Marling.
The Lady Is Risen
Johnny Flynn Lyrics
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She was given her earth by a sea come to rest
And the children she bore loved this truly too much
Calloused pride come to die in our hands as we touch
And so soften me now, let me take as it's given
For the wind's started up and the lady is risen
Is it snowing in London and warm in your bed
But you're burning in mine, come to rest off the train
In the silence you've gone and the train comes again
It's been years since I saw you, I've learned how to live
And the love's back in swing and the lady is risen
Tell me where have the saints gone, oh where is the pull
Are they flourished in times that were guarded with wool
You know limbless they marched till they fell off the map.
Are you sick of them falling like crumbs on your lap
You once told me that this isn't all that there is
And the band started up and the lady is risen.
You know life isn't always like the end of your novels
All things might wind up but they always unravel
And I'll watch you with eyes that can see I can see
That you're too good at pulling that wool over me
And I'll fight but there's nothing here I find to resist
And the winds started up and the lady is risen
The lyrics of Johnny Flynn's song "The Lady Is Risen" are open to interpretation, but one possible explanation is that the song is about a woman who embodies the spirit of nature, resilience, and love. The opening lines describe her as someone who loves "full and true" and has a "fighting bequest," which could mean that she is passionate and determined to overcome obstacles in life. She is also connected to the earth and the sea, as symbolized by the lines "She was given her earth by a sea come to rest." Her children also embody this spirit and love her deeply.
The second verse seems to be addressed to someone specific – perhaps a lover who is distant or unavailable. The singer wonders if it is snowing in London and imagines the warmth of the lover's bed. They feel like they have nothing to give, but the lover is burning in their mind. The singer has learned how to live without the lover, but their love is still strong and "back in swing."
The third verse touches on the idea of saints and martyrs who suffered in the past. There is a sense of frustration or weariness with how their sacrifices seem to have been forgotten or reduced to crumbs. However, the lady in the song represents a different kind of spirit – one that is rising up again and bringing change.
The final verse brings the song back to a more personal level, with the singer acknowledging that they can see through the lover's attempts to deceive or distract them. They fight against this, but ultimately feel drawn back to the lover and the powerful force of the lady who is risen.
Overall, "The Lady Is Risen" is a poetic and evocative song that invites listeners to connect with themes of love, nature, and resilience.
Line by Line Meaning
She loves full and true, as a fighting bequest
She loves passionately and with sincerity, as if it's her final battle.
She was given her earth by a sea come to rest
She came from a place of tranquility and calmness.
And the children she bore loved this truly too much
Her offspring also appreciated the same calmness and sincerity.
Calloused pride come to die in our hands as we touch
Our egos are being subdued and eradicated as she touches us.
And so soften me now, let me take as it's given
Let her compassionate influence impact on me, as I surrender myself wholly.
For the wind's started up and the lady is risen
As her power gains sway, the gusts of change begin to manifest themselves.
Is it snowing in London and warm in your bed
Are you in a comfortable situation while I'm not?
Have I nothing to give you, I'm cold in your head
I feel inadequacy as I cannot provide much for you, and my thoughts are unconvincing of my abilities.
But you're burning in mine, come to rest off the train
You are still present vividly in my thoughts, and should disembark from the train to see me.
In the silence you've gone and the train comes again
You left quietly, and the train arrives once more.
It's been years since I saw you, I've learned how to live
It has been ages without my seeing you; yet in-between, I have learned to cope with life.
And the love's back in swing and the lady is risen
My feelings for you are restored, and her influence is stronger.
Tell me where have the saints gone, oh where is the pull
Where are the wise and revered figures? Where is the guidance they were providing?
Are they flourished in times that were guarded with wool
Did these figures exist and thrive under far more concealed and less transparent times?
You know limbless they marched till they fell off the map.
These venerable persons might have given their all until they were forgotten.
Are you sick of them falling like crumbs on your lap
Do you find their fallings and decline repulsive or unappealing?
You once told me that this isn't all that there is
You previously indicated that there's more to life than this.
And the band started up and the lady is risen.
As sounds and voices echo in, her influence strengthens yet again.
You know life isn't always like the end of your novels
Real life sometimes doesn't follow the same ideal ending as depicted in literature.
All things might wind up but they always unravel
Although things may appear confused and disarrayed, the truth will eventually reveal itself.
And I'll watch you with eyes that can see I can see
I'll observe you keenly, perceiving every little detail.
That you're too good at pulling that wool over me
That you're an expert in hiding details or giving off false impressions.
And I'll fight but there's nothing here I find to resist
Although I'll try to withstand, there's nothing about her influence that I can contest.
And the winds started up and the lady is risen
The winds of change grow stronger and stronger while the lady's influence surges.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Johnny Flynn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind