Benediction and Dream
Lila Downs Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

And she's a rising flame
And she's a bird in flight
In the burning of the night
A star of darkness
Searches within the deepest fog
The sweet warmth of a kiss
As love brands on her lips
Hell is this heaven




Overall Meaning

These lyrics from Lila Downs's song Benediction and Dream are rich in imagery and metaphorical language. The song presents a powerful image of a woman who is both vulnerable and resilient, navigating the darkness around her with grace and strength.


The first two lines of the lyrics create an image of a woman who is full of energy and movement. She is compared to a rising flame and a bird in flight, both of which suggest a sense of upward motion and freedom. However, the third line introduces a note of danger and instability, as the woman is navigating a burning night. The lyrics continue with the image of a star of darkness searching through fog, perhaps representing the woman's own search for clarity and meaning amidst chaos.


The final two lines of the lyrics shift the emphasis to a more personal and intimate level, as the woman is described as feeling the sweet warmth of a kiss and the brand of love on her lips. There is a sense of both pain and pleasure in this image, as the intensity of love can be both beautiful and overwhelming. The final line of the lyrics brings together these conflicting emotions, as the woman experiences a sense of heaven even as she confronts the depths of hell.


Line by Line Meaning

And she's a rising flame
She embodies strength and vigor, like a fire that grows brighter and taller


And she's a bird in flight
She moves unbound and free, like a bird soaring through the sky


In the burning of the night
In the midst of darkness, she shines a light and offers hope


A star of darkness
She stands out amidst the shadows, radiating her own unique brilliance


Searches within the deepest fog
She bravely looks for answers even in the midst of confusion or uncertainty


The sweet warmth of a kiss
She is filled with affection and tenderness, expressing it through small but heartfelt gestures


As love brands on her lips
Her love is powerful and meaningful, leaving a lasting impact on those who receive it


Hell is this heaven
Despite the challenges and difficulties she may face, she sees beauty and wonder in the world around her




Writer(s): Elliot Goldenthal Copyright: Mrx Music, WB Music Corp.

Contributed by Eva M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Roy Lee Patterson


on La Cumbia Del Mole

Lila will be in Los Angeles at the Orpheum, November, 10th, 2022