1) an English folk-rock gr… Read Full Bio ↴There is more than one artist with this name:
1) an English folk-rock group from Newcastle-upon-Tyne;
2) a Black Metal band from Volgograd, Russia;
3) a Pagan/Folk Black Metal from Solingen, Germany;
1) Lindisfarne were an English folk-rock group from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, formed in 1968. The original line up was Alan Hull, Ray Jackson, Ray Laidlaw, Rod Clements, and Simon Cowe.
The group released their debut Nicely out of Tune in 1970. Their second album, Fog on the Tyne, was produced by Bob Johnson, who had also worked with Bob Dylan, to whom Alan Hull was being compared at the time. Following their third album, Dingly Dell, the group split and Lindisfarne (Mark II) continued with new members, and produced a few more albums before disbanding in 1975, seemingly for good.
1978 saw the original group re-form, with the album Back and Fourth, and the hit single "Run for Home". This line-up continued for many years. New member Marty Craggs came in for the 1986 album Dance Your Life Away. Ray 'Jacka' Jackson eventualy left to work in London, and then Si Cowe left to run a brewery in Canada. Jackson now (2008) has a career as an artist, specialising in colourful paintings of buses, a passion since he was a boy. He also played the mandolin on Rod Stewart's "Maggie May".
The group celebrated their twenty-fifth anniversary of performing at Newcastle City Hall in the summer of 1995. Less than six months later Hull died of a heart attack. There was a period of consolidation for the group, which decided to continue - going back to their folk roots, and new members Billy Mitchell, Dave Denholm and Ian Thompson. This line up continued for several years until the departure of Marty Craggs. After this the three remaining members continued to tour as an acoustic trio before calling it a day with a final gig on 17th May 2004.
2) a Black Metal band from Russia, Volgograd.
3) a Pagan/Folk Black Metal from Germany, Solingen.
Miracles
Lindisfarne Lyrics
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Whosoever besaw her could never forget the sight
Mangled up in mystery, madonna of the clear white light
The moon slipped in silence and settled upon her face
I saw then the sadness of the whole human race.
But I could not believe what I saw with my eyes
And I don't believe in miracles, miracles don't exist
Oh no, I don't believe, don't believe in this.
She turned her head in torment, trying to explain
Her position as a woman was one and the same
As me with my moments but my moments were not to blame
For future lies and alibis and crazy old fashioned games.
But could not believe what I saw with my eyes
Oh no, not me, I'm an ordinary guy
And I don't believe in miracles,e miracles don't exist
Oh no, I don't believe, don't believe in this.
Then she smiled, she smiled again, she smiled again for free
Reminded me of William Blake and the smile of eternity
She was Bardot, she was Buddah, she was Marilyn Monroe
And by the light in her eyes like the midnight skies, I swear I began to know.
That I could believe what I saw with my eyes
Oh yes, it's me and I'm an extraordinary guy
And I do believe in miracles, that's all there is exists
Oh yes, I do believe, do believe in this.
The song "Miracles" by Lindisfarne is a poignant ballad that touches on themes of existentialism, morality, and the supernatural. The lyrics describe a mysterious woman, referred to as the "madonna of the clear white light," who seems to possess an otherworldly quality. The singer is awestruck by her appearance but is initially skeptical of the concept of miracles. However, as the woman's true nature is gradually revealed, he begins to believe in the possibility of something divine.
The opening lines of the song set the stage for the enigmatic figure that the singer has encountered. "Whosoever besaw her could never forget the sight" suggests that she is a striking presence, one that lingers in the memory. The description "mangled up in mystery" implies that she is not easily understood, perhaps even deliberately obscure. The use of religious language, referring to her as a "madonna," adds to the sense of the mysterious and the ineffable.
As the song progresses, the singer becomes increasingly fascinated by the woman, but also more conflicted. He acknowledges that she seems to be suffering, as evidenced by the fact that she is "trying to explain" her situation. The phrase "Her position as a woman was one and the same/ As me with my moments" suggests that the singer sees her as a fellow human being, but also implies that he may feel a sense of guilt or responsibility for her pain.
Ultimately, the singer's skepticism gives way to a belief in miracles. The juxtaposition of iconic figures such as Bardot, Buddah, and Marilyn Monroe with the idea of "the smile of eternity" creates a sense of transcendent beauty that is beyond rational explanation. The shift from "I don't believe in miracles" to "I do believe in miracles" is a powerful statement about the capacity for human beings to experience wonder and awe in the face of the unknown.
Overall, "Miracles" is a song that explores the tension between rationalism and faith, and invites the listener to consider the possibility that there is more to life than what can be fully comprehended. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of Lindisfarne's music that this song continues to resonate with listeners today.
Line by Line Meaning
Whosoever besaw her could never forget the sight
Everyone who saw her could never forget her beauty and presence.
Mangled up in mystery, madonna of the clear white light
She was a mysterious, pure woman who radiated an ethereal light around her.
The moon slipped in silence and settled upon her face
Her beauty was enhanced by the moonlight that glowed upon her face.
I saw then the sadness of the whole human race.
In her eyes, he saw the despair of all humanity, longing and searching for something greater.
But I could not believe what I saw with my eyes
He struggled to comprehend the beauty and depth of her presence.
Oh no, not me, I'm an ordinary guy
He feels like an average person and cannot understand why he sees something extraordinary.
And I don't believe in miracles, miracles don't exist
He does not believe in divine miracles because he thinks they are impossible.
She turned her head in torment, trying to explain
She tried to express her inner torment, her struggles about being a woman in a man's world.
Her position as a woman was one and the same
She felt a similarity between her role as a woman and his position, both attempting to navigate a difficult world.
As me with my moments but my moments were not to blame
They share moments of doubt and uncertainty, but these moments are not the source of their problems.
For future lies and alibis and crazy old fashioned games.
Their problems were due to societal expectations and the roles that they were forced to play.
Then she smiled, she smiled again, she smiled again for free
She had a radiant smile, which she shared freely and generously.
Reminded me of William Blake and the smile of eternity
Her smile was compared to that of William Blake, conveying a timeless and eternal quality.
She was Bardot, she was Buddah, she was Marilyn Monroe
She symbolized the beauty and grace of iconic women of the past.
And by the light in her eyes like the midnight skies, I swear I began to know.
Her eyes conveyed a sense of understanding and wisdom, which he began to comprehend.
That I could believe what I saw with my eyes
He finally accepts that what he sees in her is real.
Oh yes, it's me and I'm an extraordinary guy
He realizes that he is an extraordinary person, capable of seeing the beauty and wonder in the world.
And I do believe in miracles, that's all there is exists
He acknowledges that the world is full of miracles and chooses to believe in them.
Oh yes, I do believe, do believe in this.
He affirms his belief in the divine and mystical aspects of life.
Contributed by Jeremiah J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.