Ommadawn Part Two
Mike Oldfield Lyrics


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Hey in a way we go
though the grass across the snow
in brown beastie in brown face
I'd rather be with you than flying through space.

I like thunder and I like rain
and open fires and glowing flames
but if the thunder is in my brain
I'd like to be on horseback

Some like the city
some the noise
some main cows
and those toys
We though we all had a choice
I'd rather be on horseback

some find it strange we live
on this small planet
on who knows where
when it strange on flu fear
it's nice to be on horseback

some are sure
and other are told
some bang their heads agaist the rules
it doesn't really matter to them
when you have to be on horseback

in the summer winter




rain or shine
is good to be on horseback

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Mike Oldfield's song Ommadawn Part 2 celebrate the idea of choosing a simple, nature-based life over a more complex and often stressful urban existence. The repeated phrase "I'd rather be on horseback" expresses this desire for a slower, more connected way of life. The song acknowledges the diversity of human preferences and lifestyles, but ultimately celebrates the appeal of a non-mechanized existence, where daily life is more attuned to the natural world. The verse about "thunder in my brain" suggests that even in our inner selves, we can find peace and clarity through a connection with nature.


The imagery in the lyrics is rich and vivid, evocative of a world where the natural elements reign supreme. The opening lines conjure up a journey through snow-covered fields, with a brown beastie (presumably a horse) as companion. The recurring mention of thunder and rain underscores the theme of natural forces as a source of comfort, rather than fear. Throughout the song, Oldfield emphasizes the contrast between modern society, with its busy cities and technologies, and a simpler, nature-based life. The message is clear: for those who value inner peace and a connection to the natural world, being on horseback is the ultimate solution.


Line by Line Meaning

Hey in a way we go
We're embarking on a journey.


though the grass across the snow
We'll travel through different terrain and weather conditions.


in brown beastie in brown face
Riding a horse through nature, blending into the surroundings.


I'd rather be with you than flying through space.
Being with someone special is better than any other experience.


I like thunder and I like rain
I enjoy the natural elements.


and open fires and glowing flames
I appreciate warmth and coziness.


but if the thunder is in my brain
Mental turmoil is hard to cope with.


I'd like to be on horseback
Escaping into nature on horseback is a calming retreat.


Some like the city
Some people prefer living in urban areas.


some the noise
Some enjoy bustling environments.


some main cows
Others prefer rural living and agriculture.


and those toys
Some enjoy material possessions.


We though we all had a choice
We assume we have control over our lives.


I'd rather be on horseback
The singer still prefers being in nature on horseback.


some find it strange we live
Some people question the human existence.


on this small planet
Reflecting on the scale of Earth in the universe.


on who knows where
Contemplating where we exist in space.


when it strange on flu fear
Amidst the chaos of the world, horseback riding is a form of escape.


it's nice to be on horseback
Reiterating the singer's love for horseback riding.


some are sure
Some people are confident in their beliefs.


and other are told
Others follow teachings without questioning them.


some bang their heads agaist the rules
Some rebel against societal norms.


it doesn't really matter to them
These individuals don't care about societal expectations.


when you have to be on horseback
For them, horseback riding is a form of rebellion or escape.


in the summer winter
Horseback riding is enjoyable in all seasons.


rain or shine
Weather conditions don't deter someone who loves horseback riding.


is good to be on horseback
The singer concludes that horseback riding is always good for the soul.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MIKE OLDFIELD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Music

Mike Oldfield's music continues to inspire new people. I'm 22 and this gives me goosebumps every time.

Richard Robbins

I have been listening to this since it came out. And this music never gets old. I had it on vinyl. Such beauty and simplicity Mike Oldfield has to be one of the best guitarist on the planet . + His compositional skills are unmatched. Such spiritual music. So glad I revisit this from time to time. More music that inspired my musicianship. Peace .

Coneman3

What a fantastic job Paddy Moloney did on the Uillean Pipes. It sound like Mike is playing them, as it's so in keeping with the composition. It sounds so deep, it goes to the core of your being. Those pipes bring tears to my eyes!

JeMiero

He died a few weeks ago (12.10.21.) He played my favorite part of Ommadawn.

Jock Stenhouse

5 mins 20 until 10 mins 10 with the Northumberland pipes is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written 😎💙🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

James Saulino

I asked family members to have that segment played at my funeral

Miguel Angel Rebollo

Oldfield' Masterpiece. His TB became a Clasical, but OMD reaches the top of the emotional sounds of the ancient Ireland, it represents the unic Celtic Simphony never composed in the musical world. Oldfield for ever.👍

David

Esta musica me recuerda a mi niñez, mi padre la ponía en el carro cuando viajábamos...

Bercristianona Mereles

A partir de minuto 5 se siente una perfecta mezcla de tristeza y alegría. Me hace llorar de gozo

Eliott HEBDING PROCHASSON

I like beer, and I like cheese I like the smell of a westerly breeze But I like more than all of these
Is to be on horseback Hey and away we go Through the grass,
across the snow Big brown beastie, big brown face I'd rather be with you than flying through space. I like thunder,
and I like rain And open fires, with roaring flames.
But if the thunder's in my brain, I'd like to be on horseback Some like the city, some the noise Some make chaos, and others, toys.
But if I was to have the choice, I'd rather be on horseback.

Hey and away we go Through the grass, across the snow Big brown beastie, big brown face I'd rather be with you than flying through space. Some find it strange to be here, On this small planet, and who knows where. But when it's strange and full of fear, It's nice to be on horseback. Some are short, and others tall, Some hit their heads against the wall. But it doesn't really matter at all, When you happen to be on horseback. Hey and away we go Through the grass, across the snow Big brown beastie, big brown face I'd rather be with you than flying through space. So if you you feel a little glum, To Hergest Ridge you should come. In summer, winter, rain or sun, It's good to be on horseback. Hey and away we go Through the grass, across the snow Big brown beastie, big brown face I'd rather be with you than flying through space. Hey and away we go Through the grass, across the snow Big brown beastie, big brown face I'd rather be with you than flying through space. You know, I'd rather be on horseback.

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