Lana Lane grew up in a very music-oriented family, with the sounds of her mother's voice and the radio constantly filling the air. Naturally, Lana picked this up and started becoming seriously interested in singing in high school. She moved to Los Angeles to further her career where she met future husband, music producer, and synth/keyboardist Erik Norlander. The two eventually founded their own production company/record label Think Tank Media to release their work. She has produced many recordings using a many guest musicians such as Pain of Salvation's Kristoffer Gildenlow.
Arjen Anthony Lucassen, mastermind of Ayreon, Ambeon, Stream of Passion, and Star One, took note of Lana's voice, and the two have collaborated on a few projects together. Arjen took a part in the writing of Tarot, and Lana did guest vocals on Ayreon's Universal Migrator albums, for example.
Lana has produced many albums over the years, though Secrets of Astrology and Queen of the Ocean are the most widely known.
Emerald City
Lana Lane Lyrics
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In the early morning twilight
Down a dark and dusty road
Just over the horizon
The city paved with gold
The hilltop breaks the cloud where
And I wonder where I'm going
And I wonder where I am
I face the great unknown
Am I ever going home?
Something's wrong in the Emerald City
Nothing I can do
Drowning in a sea of blue
No ruby slippers can save me
As the twilight turns to sapphire
There's a castle of shining jewels
Just a trick of moonlight
Shines on a field of fools
I face the night alone
Am I ever going home?
Something's wrong in the Emerald City
Nothing I can do
Drowning in a sea of blue
No ruby slippers can save me
Can they?
Your dream of days gone by
Distant nights
Starlights shining down on you
Try to touch the sky
Don't you know the magic
Comes out of the blue
The lyrics of Lana Lane's "Emerald City" suggest a journey of self-discovery for the singer, who sets out on a dark and dusty road towards a city paved with gold. However, upon reaching the top of a hill, they find that the city has disappeared, leaving them lost and uncertain of their destination. The repetition of the line "Am I ever going home?" highlights the singer's feelings of isolation and longing for familiarity.
The chorus of the song introduces the central conflict - "Something's wrong in the Emerald City". The use of color symbolism, with references to the colors blue and sapphire, evokes a sense of mystery and otherworldliness. The singer feels as if they are drowning in this strange environment and beseeches the mythical ruby slippers for help, alluding to the classic film "The Wizard of Oz".
The final verse seems to offer a glimmer of hope, as the singer is advised to embrace the magic of the unknown and reach for the sky. Overall, the lyrics of "Emerald City" present a poignant exploration of the human desire for stability and belonging, juxtaposed with the allure of the unknown and the transformative power of adventure.
Line by Line Meaning
In the early morning twilight
At the start of the day, in a time between night and daybreak.
Down a dark and dusty road
On a path that is desolate and filled with dirt.
Just over the horizon
Just beyond where the sky seems to meet the earth.
The city paved with gold
There is a city that is wealthy and affluent.
The hilltop breaks the cloud where
The top of a hill has emerged from the clouds.
The city used to stand
Where the city once stood, it is no longer there.
And I wonder where I'm going
I am uncertain of my direction and destination for my travels.
And I wonder where I am
I am not sure of my exact location in relation to my desired destination.
I face the great unknown
I am confronted with a daunting and mysterious situation.
Am I ever going home?
I question whether I will ever return to my familiar surroundings.
Something's wrong in the Emerald City
There is something not right in the city that is considered to be fabulous.
Nothing I can do
I am powerless to change the situation or circumstances.
Drowning in a sea of blue
I feel overwhelmed and lost in a vast expanse of sadness and despair.
No ruby slippers can save me
There is no magical solution to address or alleviate my troubles.
As the twilight turns to sapphire
As the day comes to an end, the sky transitions to a deep, rich blue.
There's a castle of shining jewels
There is a fortress that is adorned with exquisite and valuable ornaments.
Just a trick of moonlight
It is only an illusion created by the reflection of light from the moon.
Shines on a field of fools
The light falls on an area where people act foolish or naive.
I face the night alone
I am confronted with a dark and lonely time without the companionship of others.
Your dream of days gone by
The aspiration you have held and cherished from the past.
Distant nights
Memories of evenings that have passed and are far away.
Starlights shining down on you
The shimmering radiance that originates from distant stars and cascades down to the earth's surface and touches you.
Try to touch the sky
Strive to reach and achieve the impossible.
Don't you know the magic
Are you aware that the enchantment and marvel of life is unexpected and mystical.
Comes out of the blue
Originates from an unanticipated source.
Contributed by Ellie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.