Amarok is the 13th record album by Mike Oldfield, re… Read Full Bio ↴From Wikipedia:
Amarok is the 13th record album by Mike Oldfield, released in 1990. It is considered by fans to be his most distinctive work: a single sixty-minute track of continuous, uninterrupted but constantly-changing music.
Virgin Records had been trying to convince Oldfield to release a sequel to Tubular Bells, though probably more for the name recognition than anything else, particularly as Oldfield's contract was due to expire. Instead, he created an album that seems to have been designed to be as much a delight to his fans as it was a frustration to Virgin.
It is next to impossible to isolate any one short, radio-friendly section of Amarok without it seeming out of place, and thus no single could be cut and released separately, nor could the album ever be played on popular radio. Similarly, Amarok has never been performed live in its entirety, though Oldfield has played excerpts from time to time. Oldfield had expressed many times his displeasure at Virgin's lack of promotion of his works, and Amarok might have been his revenge: a completely unmarketable album that still showcased his talent as a composer and performer. Oldfield did attempt to circumvent Virgin and create publicity for the album by offering a prize of £1000 of his own money to the first person to find the "secret message" hidden within it, although the competition received little coverage and consequently its impact on sales was negligible. The message was actually a piece of Morse code found 48 minutes into the piece and spelling out "FUCK OFF RB", a direct statement to Virgin chief Richard Branson.
Both Amarok, along with Heaven's Open (Oldfield's final album for Virgin) can be seen as a definite "farewell" to the company, and not an overly polite one, either. Along with the aforementioned Morse code message, the album's back cover reads: " HEALTH WARNING - This record could be hazardous to the health of cloth-eared nincompoops. If you suffer from this condition, consult your Doctor immediately ". This message could also be interpreted as a skit on the spoof listening instructions on the sleeve of Tubular Bells.
Amarok
Mike Oldfield Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I suppose you think that nothing much is happening at the moment
Ah-ha-ha-ha-ha
Well, that's what I want to talk to you all about; endings
Now, endings normally happen at the end
But as we all know, endings are just beginnings
You know, once these things really get started, it's jolly hard to stop them again
However, as we have all come this far, I think, under the circumstances
Let's keep this going in sight, never an ending
Let's remember that this world wants fresh beginnings
I feel here, in this country, and throughout the world,
we are crying out for beginnings, beginnings
We never want to hear this word "endings"
I know we all want to sit down
I know you want to take it easy
Of course we're looking for the good
Of course we're looking for the fresh start
Isn't that charming? Do you know, I really feel I could dance
Ah-ha-ha-ha-ha
Ah-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, charming, ha-ha-ha
(Crash!)
The opening monologue of Mike Oldfield's song Amarok is an interesting commentary on the concept of endings. The singer starts by humorously acknowledging the possibility of boredom and lack of excitement amongst the audience, but quickly moves on to a more profound insight about the nature of endings. He suggests that endings are not only final moments, but they can also act as beginnings. In other words, the end of something can signify the start of something new, and this sentiment is echoed throughout the song. The singer emphasizes the importance of fresh beginnings, suggesting that the world and the people living in it are constantly looking for opportunities to start anew.
The monologue is interspersed with bursts of music and sound effects, including a sudden crash at the end. This adds to the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the song, which contains many musical styles and changes in tempo and instrumentation. The song seems to be a reflection of life itself - chaotic, unpredictable, and full of surprises. The message of the song is that endings are not the end, and that life always offers opportunities for new beginnings. In this way, the song can be viewed as a celebration of life in all its complexity and chaos.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello everyone
Mike Oldfield is greeting his audience and beginning his discussion.
I suppose you think that nothing much is happening at the moment
Mike is acknowledging that his audience may not feel like they are witnessing anything significant in the present time.
Ah-ha-ha-ha-ha
This may be interpreted as a playful laugh, but it does not contribute any significant meaning to the song.
Well, that's what I want to talk to you all about; endings
Mike wants to discuss the idea of endings and their impact on people.
Now, endings normally happen at the end
This is a humorous play on words, because most things in life naturally come to a conclusion at the end.
But as we all know, endings are just beginnings
Mike is suggesting that endings can be viewed as opportunities for new beginnings.
You know, once these things really get started, it's jolly hard to stop them again
Mike is acknowledging that once something has been set in motion, it can be difficult to change course.
However, as we have all come this far, I think, under the circumstances
Mike believes that, given the current situation, it is best to continue moving forward.
The best solution is that we all just keep going
Mike believes that persistence is the key to overcoming challenges.
Let's keep this going in sight, never an ending
Mike is emphasizing the importance of continuity and avoiding abrupt endings.
Let's remember that this world wants fresh beginnings
Mike is highlighting the desire for new opportunities and change in the world.
I feel here, in this country, and throughout the world,
Mike is implying that his message is relevant worldwide, not just to a particular region or group of people.
we are crying out for beginnings, beginnings
Mike is reinforcing the idea that people are seeking new beginnings in their lives.
We never want to hear this word "endings"
Mike is emphasizing that endings are often undesirable and people prefer continuity.
I know we all want to sit down
Mike is acknowledging that people may be tired and want to rest.
I know you want to take it easy
Mike is acknowledging that his audience may be seeking comfort or relaxation.
Of course we're looking for the good
Mike is suggesting that people naturally seek positive outcomes, even in the face of adversity.
Of course we're looking for the fresh start
Mike is emphasizing the importance of new opportunities and fresh starts in life.
Isn't that charming? Do you know, I really feel I could dance
This line may be interpreted in different ways, but it may suggest that Mike is finding humor or light-heartedness in his discussion of serious topics like endings and new beginnings.
Ah-ha-ha-ha-ha
This may be interpreted as a continuation of Mike's laughter or a musical interlude.
Ah-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, charming, ha-ha-ha
This line may be interpreted similarly to the previous one, as a continuation of Mike's laughter or a playful reference to the preceding words.
(Crash!)
The crash may be interpreted as a sound effect or an abrupt interruption to the music and lyrics, leaving the meaning open to interpretation.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MIKE OLDFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
jesus bonsom
"AMAROK" TRACK LISTING:
Fast Riff Intro - 0:00
Intro - 2:32
Climax I (12 Strings) - 5:46
Soft Bodhran - 6:18
Rachmaninov I - 7:20
Soft Bodhran 2 - 8:35
Rachmaninov II - 9:29
Roses - 9:56
Reprise I (Intro) - 10:42
Scot - 12:45
Didlybom - 13:16
Mad Bit - 15:00
Run In - 15:56
Hoover - 16:11
Fast Riff - 18:00
Lion - 19:57
Fast Waltz - 21:57
Stop - 23:42
Mad Bit 2 - 24:33
Fast Waltz 2 - 24:46
Mandolin - 25:06
Intermission - 26:07
Boat - 26:23
Intro Reprise 2 - 29:27
Big Roses - 32:07
Green Green - 33:13
Slow Waltz - 34:24
Lion Reprise - 36:04
Mandolin Reprise - 37:05
TV am / Hoover / Scot - 37:47
Fast Riff Reprise - 39:50
Boat Reprise - 42:22
12 Rep / Intro Waltz - 43:32
Green Reprise - 44:12
Africa I: Far Build - 44:46
Africa I: Far Dip - 48:00
Africa I: Pre Climax - 48:46
Africa I: 12 Climax - 49:32
Africa I: Climax I - 50:24
Africa II: Bridge - 51:00
Africa II: Riff - 51:17
Africa II: Boats - 51:34
Africa II: Bridge II - 51:52
Africa II: Climax II - 52:10
Africa III: Baker - 54:22
PEDRO MΛCHΛDO BORGES
My parents showed me this album when i was 9 years old. So I took it to school because our teacher at the time let students play whatever music they wanted at lunch time. It was my day to choose what we were going to hear. My colleagues and even the teacher looked at me like i was crazy. "What is this?!" They asked with surprise. I answered: "Well, this is the story of two friends who adventure into the jungle to find the god who is speaking to them." "ok..." they answered quietly. So, that day, me, the teacher, all of my 9 year old friends and the waitresses of the school cantina heard the entire album during lunch break. It was a good day.
Tom Lewis
That's brilliant lol thanks for sharing!
Deep Nacho
This music is probably too advanced for 99% of people who are used to listening to mainstream stations and music tv. For most people, something more complex than the monolithic structure and simple lyrics of today's latin/pop music is just too much to take in.
Bernard Mebs
Congratulations to your parents for making you discover this work and to you for daring to share your experience at school. Not obvious, but listening to it from start to finish, it's quite a musical adventure.
Klaus Nolte
Compliments to your parents. Compliments to your teacher. Compliments to you.
Jake
Love that story 😊
Тарадин Виталий
sometimes I think that this album is the whole quintessence of all musical experience of mankind...just invaluable treasure
T S
I'm not familiar with Mike's work, except the greatest hits.
After listening this strange album for 5 minutes, I'm ordering CD online right away.
Lee Thomas
Hope you liked it... and I hope your collection of Mike Oldfield has increased in 2 years. He's done loads of great albums.
sirgonads
Make sure you get Tubular Bells before anything else. That's the one that started it. He was 16 and played all the instruments himself.