The name Mirabilis is Latin for something that is wonderful, miraculous, or unusual. The two women see their musical union as an amazing and unique experience and the name embodies those sentiments. Dru and Summer are the core members of Mirabilis, but they use the project as an avenue to bring in other like-minded artists as guest performers to create something that is extraordinary and unique.
In 2001, Mirabilis made their debut on Projekt Records' holiday compilation, Excelsis, Volume 3 with their rendition of the Spanish carol, "Riu Riu Chiu." In December of 2003, the band's first release, a limited edition 7-inch self-titled EP was released on Fossil Dungeon. They quickly followed up with a full-length debut CD, Pleiades, in 2004 on the Middle Pillar Presents label. Pleiades blends together the beautiful voices of Summer and Dru as well as guest vocalists Regeana Morris (of The Changelings), Katy Belle (of Matson Belle), and Rebecca Colleen Miller.
In 2008, Mirabilis returns with the second full length album, Sub Rosa. Released in partnership between Middle Pillar Presents and Projekt, the release has a unique intensity and style, showcasing a broader range of instruments and styles while still exploring familiar classical and ethereal ground. Vocals continue to shine as the dominant instrumentation but Dru and Summer also explore a variety of new lush instruments and still remain true to their own unique genre.
Summer Bowman is half of acclaimed gothic/darkwave duo the Machine in the Garden. Summer has performed roles as both a singer and songwriter and has also become involved in the recording studio engineering, mixing, and producing. In addition to these projects, Summer performs with the Austin Civic Chorus, the featured chorus of the Austin Symphony Orchestra.
Dru Allen has also put her stamp on the ethereal world, having co-founded the band This Ascension. The group blends standard indie rock with tribal elements and a number of vocal styles including opera, medieval, and traditional folk. In addition, Dru performed in the University of California Santa Barbara Women's Ensemble every quarter for four years while working towards her degree in Classical Latin and Greek.
Discography:
2003 - Mirabilis (EP)
2004 - Pleiades
2008 - Sub Rosa
The Vastness
Mirabilis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In swirling shoals of blackness
Glide beyond the breeze
On swirling shoals of vastness
Tears in sand, unknown location
Don't sway-don't
Life bound to the sea
In the tidal swell
Of swirling shoals of blackness
Taken by the breeze
Into swirling shoals of vastness
Tears in sand, unknown location
Don't sway-don't
Life belongs to the sea
"The Vastness" by Mirabilis is a hauntingly beautiful song that captures the essence of wandering the vastness of the sea. It tells the story of someone lost in the deep, unsure of their location but compelled to keep moving in the swirling shoals of blackness. The lyrics are poetic and cryptic, but the message is clear. The vastness of the sea and the unknown depths that lay beneath it are both awe-inspiring and terrifying. The tears in the sand and the unknown location suggest a sense of disorientation and confusion, a feeling of being lost in a world that is both beautiful and dangerous.
The repetition of the phrase "Don't sway-don't life bound to the sea, life belongs to the sea" highlights the idea of being at the mercy of the ocean and its tides. It's a compelling image that draws the listener into the song's sense of uncertainty and wonder. The lyricist is speaking about the cold depth of the oceans where it is inexplicably mysterious and ravishing in its own way. One thing is for sure, though: for this person, there is no turning back. They must face the vastness head-on, embracing it as part of their journey.
Line by Line Meaning
In the far off deep
The song speaks of a distant and deep place.
In swirling shoals of blackness
This deep place is dark and mysterious, like a large group of fish swimming together.
Glide beyond the breeze
The singer is moving or traveling in a smooth and effortless way, beyond typical earthly winds.
On swirling shoals of vastness
The journey continues through these vast and mysterious masses, like navigating through schools of fish.
Tears in sand, unknown location
There is sadness about a place that is unknown, perhaps due to its distance or inaccessibility.
Don't sway-don't
This line may be interpreted as a reminder to stay focused and not be distracted by the surroundings or emotions.
Life bound to the sea
The singer's life is tied to the sea, perhaps either as a profession or because of a personal connection.
In the tidal swell
The currents are strong, perhaps indicating a rough or dangerous journey.
Taken by the breeze
The artist is still moving and navigating through these treacherous waters, but now with the help of the wind.
Into swirling shoals of vastness
The journey continues into the vastness, with the artist still facing the unknown and the mysterious.
Life belongs to the sea
The singer's life is completely consumed by the sea, giving it a sense of purpose and meaning.
Contributed by Samantha D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.