Shabda
Mike Oldfield Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Terra autem erat inanis
Super faciem abyssi
Lux æterna dona nobis
Terra autem erat in cæli

Terra autem erat inanis
Super faciem abyssi
Lux æterna dona nobis
Terra autem erat in cæli





Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Mike Oldfield's song Shabda are intriguing and deep. The Latin words used in the song translate to "But the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. Give us eternal light. But the earth was in heaven." These lyrics can be interpreted in various ways and can have different meanings for different people.


One interpretation of these lyrics is that they are referencing the creation story found in the Book of Genesis. The words "earth was without form and void" are a direct quote from the Bible and signify the state of the world before it was created. The lyrics could be requesting that God or a higher power provide eternal light to the world, and referencing the ultimate goal of reaching heaven or a state of enlightenment.


Another interpretation of the lyrics could be a commentary on the state of the world at large. The phrase "But the earth was in heaven" could signify a sense of disconnection between the world and its ideals. The lyrics could be begging for a return to a state of purity and light, away from the darkness and chaos of the present world.


Overall, the lyrics of Shabda showcase Oldfield's ability to craft music that is open to personal interpretation and deep reflection.


Line by Line Meaning

Terra autem erat inanis
The Earth was formless and empty


Super faciem abyssi
Over the surface of the deep


Lux æterna dona nobis
Eternal light, give us


Terra autem erat in cæli
The Earth was in heaven




Contributed by Stella W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions