Black Elm
Keiko Lyrics


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And yet how
Gentle it seems
April drained
Of it's green
Skyline broken by one tree
Landscape of the footprint sea

Two will lie
On the ground
What goes up
Must come down

From this height
All will know
Secret love that is shown
In this place by the well
Twisted shapes of black elm

Harsh is how
They will learn
When one finds his
Stolen girl
Suspended in blinding blue
Shapes the fate of fortune's fools

Two will lie
On the ground
What goes up
Must come down

From this height
All will know
Secret love that is shown
In this place by the well
Twisted shapes of black elm

Now even wind is still
Across the cold black land
The new shadow standing I'll
Won't ever understand

From this height
All will know
Secret love that is shown
In this place by the well
Twisted shapes of black elm

They're screaming
Why are we not to survive?
Who overlooks what true love does find?
Why are why are we not to survive?
Please spare our lives

From this height
All will know
Secret love that is shown




In this place by the well
Twisted shapes of black elm

Overall Meaning

The song "Black Elm" by Keiko is a beautiful and mysterious piece that seems to be centered around a particular location, the "twisted shapes of black elm." The opening lines suggest a kind of paradox - even though the subject matter is harsh and dark, it is described with a sense of gentleness. The lines "April drained/Of its green/Skyline broken by one tree/Landscape of the footprint sea" evoke a sense of emptiness and desolation, as if the tree in question is the only thing left standing in a barren wasteland.


The second verse takes a more ominous turn, suggesting that something terrible has happened - "When one finds his/Stolen girl/Suspended in blinding blue/Shapes the fate of fortune's fools." The imagery suggests a tragic event, perhaps a murder or an abduction, with the "blinding blue" possibly representing the sky or water in which the girl was found. The final verse suggests that the location is now haunted in some way - "Now even wind is still/Across the cold black land/The new shadow standing ill/Won't ever understand." There is a sense that something terrible has taken place there, and that the "twisted shapes of black elm" represent a kind of eerie presence that will never leave the site.


Overall, "Black Elm" is a haunting and beautifully written song that leaves a lasting impression on the listener. While the exact meaning of the lyrics is open to interpretation, there is no denying the emotional power of the imagery and the sense of mystery that pervades the song.


Line by Line Meaning

And yet how
Despite its ominous appearance,


Gentle it seems
The black elm appears serene.


April drained
The time of year is no longer conducive for growth.


Of it's green
The leaves have fallen.


Skyline broken by one tree
The tree stands out against the horizon.


Landscape of the footprint sea
The land appears vast and deserted.


Two will lie
There will be casualties.


On the ground
The surface beneath their feet.


What goes up
Whatever has been elevated,


Must come down
Will inevitably fall.


From this height
At this elevated position,


All will know
Everyone will see and understand.


Secret love that is shown
An intimate relationship exposed.


In this place by the well
Near a water source.


Twisted shapes of black elm
An eerie tree surrounding the area.


Harsh is how
Unpleasant is the way,


They will learn
They will come to understand.


When one finds his
Upon discovering his,


Stolen girl
Kidnapped love interest.


Suspended in blinding blue
Hung from a high place against a stark blue sky.


Shapes the fate of fortune's fools
Determines the doom of the unlucky.


Now even wind is still
There is no movement or sound on this barren land.


Across the cold black land
Over the desolate terrain.


The new shadow standing I'll
The dark force now looming overhead.


Won't ever understand
Is beyond comprehension.


They're screaming
Cries of anguish can be heard.


Why are we not to survive?
Why must we perish?


Who overlooks what true love does find?
Is there a higher power that disregards genuine love?


Please spare our lives
A plea for mercy.




Contributed by Savannah D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@richiebeirach3671

beautiful !! thanks

@iqbalwidodo496

wow finally new videos 😁

@federicoarielvarelahermin3368

Sus sensibles notas evocan en mi la más tierna y amargamente placentera melancolía. Saludos desde Argentina.

@jvmaiko

Muchas gracias

@soaringtheclouds

Marvelous!! Lovely to hear you again :) I first heard you from your performance of Spain. You produce such a lovely tone!

@jvmaiko

Thank you very much!

@KINSEY1956

I have been following you for years and have given up on the notion that you were going to have any gigs in Los Angeles. I just might have to go visit Japan and catch up where you're playing at. I've been listening to Jazz since I was 16 years old. You are truly a unique artist. In the framework of Stephane grappelli and John-Luc Ponty. I've hung out with jazz artist before and I know you people hate being compared to someone else because of your uniqueness of your talent. I mean this comparison with all due respect and admiration.

@jvmaiko

Thank you very much!


I am honored to have the opportunity to listen to my live someday.

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