McKennitt blends world-music with folk, Celtic and exotic Mediterranean sounds using instruments such as the hurdy gurdy, kanoun, uilleann pipes, Turkish clarinet, bouzouki and nyckelharpa alongside traditional instruments like guitar, drums and bass and the harp, piano and accordion, the three instruments she plays.
Born in Morden, Manitoba, Canada in February 17, 1957, Loreena moved to Stratford, Ontario, Canada in 1981, where she still resides. She has acted and sung in, and composed music for, Stratford Festival of Canada productions ranging from The Tempest (1982) to The Merchant Of Venice (2001).
Her recording career began in 1985 with the album Elemental. In the fledgling years of her label Quinlan Road, Loreena ran its operations from her kitchen table, selling recordings by mail order and producing her own concert tours across the country. Quinlan Road's catalogue is currently distributed around the world by Warner Music (US), Universal Music (Canada and other territories including Italy and Spain) and a number of independents including Keltia Music (France) and SPV (Germany).
Incantation
Loreena McKennitt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From the beloved saint of God.
You've only borrowed it.
Although the house of your heart
Is lit from the inside.
That light s lent by a luminous neighbour
Give thanks; don't be arrogant or vain
Pay attention to self-importance.
Has put religious communities
Far from religious communion.
In Loreena McKennitt's song Incantation, the lyrics convey a message of humility and gratitude towards the divine. The opening line "O brother, wisdom is pouring into you" suggests that the singer is addressing a companion who is currently receiving wisdom and insight from a saint or holy figure. The use of the word "brother" implies a sense of camaraderie and kinship between the two.
The next line, "you've only borrowed it," indicates that the wisdom and knowledge being gained is not innate or permanent, but rather a gift or loan from a higher power. This idea of borrowed knowledge is further emphasized in the following lines, where the singer reminds the listener that the light within them is not self-generated but rather "lent by a luminous neighbour."
The final lines of the stanza caution against arrogance or conceit, warning that these traits can lead to a loss of religious connection and community. The message here is one of humility and appreciation for the gifts and insights bestowed upon us by the divine.
Overall, the lyrics of Incantation encourage the listener to approach wisdom and insight with a sense of reverence and gratitude, recognizing that these gifts are not earned or deserved but rather freely given.
Line by Line Meaning
O brother, Wisdom is pouring into you
Oh, my dear brother, knowledge and understanding is being bestowed unto you
From the beloved saint of God.
This knowledge is coming from a highly respected and revered person of God.
You've only borrowed it.
Remember, you have not created this knowledge, but instead it has been shared with you.
Although the house of your heart
Despite the fact that the inner sanctum of your being
Is lit from the inside.
Is illuminated by the light of this knowledge and understanding.
That light is lent by a luminous neighbour
The light of this knowledge and understanding has been provided by an enlightened companion.
Give thanks; don't be arrogant or vain
Be grateful for this gift of knowledge bestowed upon you and do not let pride consume you.
Pay attention to self-importance.
Be careful not to become overly egotistical and self-centered because of this knowledge.
It's sad that this borrowed state
It is unfortunate that this sharing of knowledge and understanding
Has put religious communities
Has led to religious groups
Far from religious communion.
Being separated and distant from true religious unity and harmony.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: LOREENA MCKENNITT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind