"Wings of a Dove" was written by Suggs and Chas Smash and they also share lead vocals here. The song is quite unusual for Madness, featuring steel drums by Creighton Steel Sounds and a gospel choir from the First Born Inspirational Church of the Living God.
The song enjoyed a brief resurgence in popularity in 1999 when it was featured in the movie 10 Things I Hate About You.
Wings of a Dove
Madness Lyrics
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and laugh with love
take the hand of another
and sing for the wings of a dove
Whoa whoa for the wings of a dove (x2)
Look up at the rooftops
when you're walking round
don't think for a moment
of looking down
Whoa whoa yeah yeah yeah
for the wings of a dove
whoa whoa for the wings of a dove (x3)
Hallelujah Hallelujah
Look up at the rooftops
When you're walking round
don't think for a moment
of looking down
A room at the top
where we're not allowed
don't cheer to the echo
can you hear the sound
Whoa whoa yeah yeah yeah
for the wings of a dove
Whoa whoa yeah yeah yeah
for the wings of a dove
whoa whoa for the wings of a dove (x2)
yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah (x3)
Whoa whoa for the wings of a dove (x4)
The lyrics of Madness's song, "Wings of a Dove," convey the message to live life with joy, love, and unity. The first stanza of the song invites the listener to indulge in their pleasures and cherish love; to hold hands with others unitedly and sing in celebration of the joys of life - symbolized by the wings of a dove. The second stanza draws attention towards the rooftops and advises the listener to appreciate the beauty around them and to avoid dwelling on negative thoughts that might bring them down. The repetition of the line 'Look up at the rooftops' emphasizes the importance of focusing on the good things in life and looking up towards the heavens.
The chorus repeats the phrase "for the wings of a dove" reinforcing the idea that life is a gift to be celebrated. The lines "Hallelujah" express gratitude and joy, while the mention of a "room at the top where we're not allowed" suggests a sense of exclusion and the longing to belong. The final stanza emphasizes the importance of living in the moment and enjoying it, as represented by the sound of the echo.
Overall, the message conveyed through "Wings of a Dove" is to live life positively, appreciating and celebrating the joys that it offers and not dwelling on negativity that could bring us down.
Line by Line Meaning
Take time for your pleasure and laugh with love
Make sure to prioritize your own happiness and enjoy life with those you love by laughing and having a good time.
Take the hand of another and sing for the wings of a dove
Have compassion and join together with others to hope for peace and freedom, represented by the wings of a dove.
Look up at the rooftops when you're walking round
Pay attention to the world around you and observe the beauty and wonder that exists, even on the rooftops above.
Don't think for a moment of looking down
Avoid negative thoughts and distractions that could lead you to overlook or miss out on the joys and opportunities of life.
Hallelujah Hallelujah
Express praise and gratitude to a higher power or just celebrate the beauty of life in general.
A room at the top where we're not allowed
There may be societal barriers or limitations that prevent certain people or groups from reaching the pinnacle of success or prosperity.
Don't cheer to the echo can you hear the sound
Don't be content with simply copying or following the crowd; take time to listen carefully to your own voice and values so you can make meaningful choices.
Whoa whoa yeah yeah yeah for the wings of a dove
Express excitement and hope for the peace and unity that the wings of a dove symbolize.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CATHAL SMYTH, CHRISTOPHER JOHN FOREMAN, DANIEL MARK WOODGATE, GRAHAM MCPHERSON, LEE JAY THOMPSON, MARK WILLIAM BEDFORD, MICHAEL BARSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Lyrics
Take time for your pleasure
And laugh with love
Take the hand of another
And sing for the wings of a dove
Wo-oh, wo-oh
For the wings of a dove
Wo-oh, wo-oh
For the wings of a dove
Look up at the rooftops
When you`re walking round
Don`t think for a moment
Of looking down
Wo-oh, wo-oh (yeah, yeah, yeah)
For the wings of a dove
Wo-oh, wo-oh
For the wings of a dove
Wo-oh, wo-oh
For the wings of a dove
Wo-oh, wo-oh
For the wings of a dove
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Look up at the rooftops
When you`re walking round
Don`t think for a moment
Of looking down
A room at the top
Where we`re not allowed
Cheer to the echo
Can you hear the sound
Wo-oh, wo-oh (yeah, yeah, yeah)
For the wings of a dove
Wo-oh, wo-oh (yeah, yeah, yeah)
For the wings of a dove
Wo-oh, wo-oh (yeah, yeah, yeah)
For the wings of a dove
Wo-oh, wo-oh (yeah, yeah, yeah)
For the wings of a dove
rickysvaliants
If this tune doesn't put you in a good mood then nothing will
Lee Walker
Sing for the wings of a dove
Josette Harvey-Nichols
Still does in 2021
james ford
Preach
The Basics Of
Such a good song
Fuzz 72
Fact!
Still a boss choon 2022 ✌️
Alan Smith
This band wrote really good clever songs
I think they are underappreciated
Dominic Allen
They didn’t write it
geoff walsh
Actually Suggs and Cathal Smyth (Chas Smash) of the band wrote this.
Will Douglas
@Dominic Allen oh, do tell, who did then ?