Michael Martin Murphey (born 14 March 19… Read Full Bio ↴AKA Michael Martin Murphey.
Michael Martin Murphey (born 14 March 1945 in Dallas, Texas) is a successful American country singer-songwriter whose biggest hit was "Wildfire" in 1975, produced by Bob Johnston. He was associated with the outlaw country movement. Murphey currently lives in Westby, Wisconsin, with interests in New Mexico and Texas.
Lightning
Michael Murphey Lyrics
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So take me to the highest hill.
The storm is coming fast.
The night is overcast and warm.
She'll take me flying
On the wings of singing lightning.
Time's torn like the clouds.
The Thunder-Beings rip the shroud.
To strike me when I'm feeling numb.
And there is nothing like lightning
When she strikes you right.
The sky dance will begin
When your fate is blown apart.
When you open up
Every channel to your heart
She'll take you flying
On the wings of singing lightning.
You must loose your hold
To gain control a thousand fold.
Lightning makes your midnight bright.
The thunderbolt will give you sight.
And you will see beyond
The lightning and the flash of light.
The song "Lightning" by Michael Murphey speaks about the power and beauty of lightning. It suggests that amid turmoil and darkness, the supernatural occurrence of lightning can illuminate things that were previously hidden. The song speaks to the transformative power of nature and how it can take a person from an unilluminated state of mind to one that is transcendent.
The first verse sets up the scene, implying some sort of impending drama, with the wind rising and a storm approaching. The singer then implores to be taken to the highest point so they can witness the full force of the storm. The chorus speaks to the transformative power of lightning and how it can transport someone onto its wings. The bridge speaks to the power of the thunder-beings and their ability to tear apart time and space.
The second verse directly addresses the singer's relationship with lightning. It speaks to the idea that lightning comes when you are feeling numb and strikes in such a way that it is all-consuming. The bridge builds up the idea of letting go of control to unleash one's full potential. The final chorus speaks to the idea that once you open up to the transformative power of lightning, you will be able to see beyond the flash of light and into the deeper meaning the universe holds.
Line by Line Meaning
The wind is on the rise
The air currents are strengthening and picking up pace.
So take me to the highest hill.
Let's find the tallest peak to climb so we can better observe the upcoming storm.
The storm is coming fast.
Inclement weather is approaching quickly.
The night is overcast and warm.
The darkness is cloudy and humid, signaling an impending thunderstorm.
She'll take me flying
The lightning is personified as female and will enable the artist to experience an elevated emotional state.
On the wings of singing lightning.
The electrical discharge from the storm will make music and take the singer on a thrilling ride.
Time's torn like the clouds.
The passing of time seems distorted, just like the fluffy clouds being broken apart by the wind.
The Thunder-Beings rip the shroud.
The ancient belief that thunderstorms were caused by powerful, god-like creatures is referenced, giving an added sense of awe and wonder to the storm's approach.
The lightning always comes
The electric sparks in the sky are consistent and frequently occur during a thunderstorm.
To strike me when I'm feeling numb.
The artist feels subdued or detached, but the lightning bolt's energy will shock him back to life.
And there is nothing like lightning
No other natural phenomenon holds such a sense of powerful mystery and excitement.
When she strikes you right.
If a bolt of lightning hits you directly, it can be a transformative and life-altering experience.
The sky dance will begin
The storm will produce a wondrous display of color and motion in the sky.
When your fate is blown apart.
The storm acts as a metaphor for creating chaos and changing one's fate unexpectedly.
When you open up
When you allow yourself to be vulnerable and receptive.
Every channel to your heart
Every emotional pathway and connection to your inner self.
She'll take you flying
The lightning and its power will elevate your spirit and take you on a thrilling journey.
On the wings of singing lightning.
Once again, the singer emphasizes the musical and exciting qualities of lightning.
You must loose your hold
In order to fully experience the power of the storm and its transformative effects, you must let go of any inhibitions or fears.
To gain control a thousand fold.
By allowing oneself to lose control for a time, one can ultimately gain greater control over their life and emotions.
Lightning makes your midnight bright.
Even in the darkest and most trying times, lightning serves as a beacon of hope and light.
The thunderbolt will give you sight.
Thunder and lightning have long been associated with inspiration and insight, allowing one to see things more clearly.
And you will see beyond
The singer emphasizes the transcendent and transformative qualities of a thunderstorm.
The lightning and the flash of light.
The beauty and power of lightning is something that is not easily forgotten, and stays with us long after the storm has passed.
Contributed by Annabelle P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.