The debut Massive Attack album Blue Lines was released in 1991, with the single "Unfinished Sympathy" reaching the charts and later being voted the 63rd greatest song of all time in a poll by NME. 1998's Mezzanine (containing the top 10 single "Teardrop") and 2003's 100th Window charted in the UK at number one. Both Blue Lines and Mezzanine feature in Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
The group has won numerous music awards throughout their career, including a Brit Award—winning Best British Dance Act, two MTV Europe Music Awards and two Q Awards. They have released five studio albums that have sold over 13 million copies worldwide. Throughout their history, Massive Attack have been supporters and activists for political, human rights and environmental causes.
Nature Boy
Massive Attack Lyrics
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A very strange enchanted boy
They say he wandered very far, very far
Over land and sea
A little shy
And sad of eye
But very wise
And then one day
One magic day he passed my way
And while we spoke of many things
Fools and kings
This he said to me
The greatest thing
You'll ever learn
Is just to love
And be loved in return
(I love you)
The lyrics to "Nature Boy" by Massive Attack speak about a personal love story and the lessons learned from it. The opening lines of the song state that the woman that the singer loved is now deceased, implying that the story being told is one of reminiscence. The lyrics then introduce the character of the "nature boy," a boy who is described as strange and enchanted. He is said to have wandered far across land and sea, suggesting a sense of adventure and independence. Despite his shyness and sadness, he is also depicted as wise.
The song then describes a chance encounter between the singer and the nature boy. As they speak, the boy imparts some wisdom to the singer: "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return." This line suggests that the singer has learned an important lesson about the power of love, perhaps through the loss of the woman he loved. Overall, "Nature Boy" is a poignant and contemplative song that explores themes of love, loss, and personal growth.
Line by Line Meaning
This story is about love
The following lyrics will be themed around the idea of love.
The woman I loved is dead
The singer's beloved has passed away and is no longer with them.
There was a boy
Introducing the subject of the following verse.
A very strange enchanted boy
The boy was peculiar and seemed to possess a magical quality.
They say he wandered very far
Rumors suggest that the boy traveled extensively, both by land and sea.
Very far over land and sea
Emphasizing the vastness of the boy's travels and the distance he covered.
A little shy and sad of eye
Despite his magical aura and travels, the boy was still somewhat introverted and had a melancholic presence.
But very wise, was he
Despite his youthful appearance, the boy was notably wise and insightful.
And then one day
Introducing the event that takes place next.
One magic day he passed my way
The artist had an encounter with the boy that felt extraordinary and memorable.
While we spoke of many things
The two engaged in conversation about various topics.
Fools and kings
The specifics of their conversation aren't given, but it seems to have been wide-ranging.
This he said to me
The boy imparts some wisdom or advice to the singer.
The greatest thing
The most important lesson or concept.
You'll ever learn
Implying that this lesson will have a profound impact on the singer's life.
Is just to love
The primary lesson is that love is an essential part of the human experience.
And be loved
It's not just about loving others; being loved in return is equally important.
In return
Emphasizing the reciprocity of love and how it's a two-way street.
Lyrics © GOLDEN WORLD
Written by: Eden Ahbez
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@paredel89
There was a boy
A very strange enchanted boy
They say he wandered very far, very far
Over land and sea
A little shy and sad of eye
But very wise was he
And then one day
A magic day he passed my way
And while we spoke of many things
Fools and kings
This he said to me
‘The greatest thing you’ll ever learn
Is just to love and be loved in return.
@paredel89
There was a boy
A very strange enchanted boy
They say he wandered very far, very far
Over land and sea
A little shy and sad of eye
But very wise was he
And then one day
A magic day he passed my way
And while we spoke of many things
Fools and kings
This he said to me
‘The greatest thing you’ll ever learn
Is just to love and be loved in return.
@alexandracoirier3778
Bowie was full of love, his love still radiates!
@ReshonBryant
👻
@AMBERSKYS1
he was the sexiest senior citizen ever! he'll never be forgotten.
@hisashivalentine
Even though this is a cover song - his version is so eerie but beautiful. So heartbreaking to listen to it.
@wewatchmovies4446
Yeah bro, it's music at its height
@randomlight1069
Bowie recorded two versions. One "orchestral" the one, which which can be heard in some scenes in Moulin Rouge. And this one which was slotted for the end credits. Due it's beings so "dark" the films director Baz Luhrmann pulled it saying "it was so dark that we needed to resurrect the audience during the end credits." I prefer this one, for what it's worth.
@dwesdwes5633
Back in the 1950's my father used to sing this song to me when i was a little child. He of course was familiar with the Nat "King" Cole version of it, and never heard Bowie sing it.
@kzinful
Oh my, I never knew of this collaboration.
Even more respect for the genius that is Massive Attack, they have always exhibited that special talent of finding artists and the right song for them as is shown here.
Poignant now with Davids passing but this song is so right for his interpretation, isn't it?
And in the end, the love you take is..
Peace
@patrom0406
equal to the love you take ;)