Growing up, he was so shy that he would write songs avidly but hide them inside his mattress. At 20, he moved out of his parents' house to study creative writing at UCLA and finally gathered the courage to start performing music. After purchasing a beat-up guitar from a friend, he taught himself to play and accompany himself. He grew quickly as an artist at UCLA, soon performing weekly alongside the university's most esteemed musicians. Now graduated, he creates soul-infused folk music using guitar and unique arrangements built on loop pedals.
Recently, SPIN Magazine described him as a "soul-folk warrior".
More information at mosessumney.com or Facebook, listen on Soundcloud
Ascension
Moses Sumney Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For tender-headed hearts
We'll find reprieve
When from this earth we part
Na na na na na na na na na...
The sky seems clear
The end draws near
Your body severs ties
Na na na na na na na na na...
Been waiting for
This moment
For too long to regret
You let go
Your spirit flows
Your troubles
Ascend
Na na na na na na na na na...
The lyrics to Moses Sumney's song "Ascension" reflect the idea of finding peace and release from the struggles of life through death. The line "Is there relief for tender-headed hearts" suggests that those who have experienced pain may find solace in the end of their earthly existence. The repetition of "na na na na na na na na na" creates a spiritual and ethereal feel, as though a choir of voices is guiding the departed soul toward its final destination.
Next, the lines "The sky seems clear, devoured with closed eyes" create a sense of acceptance and surrender to the inevitable end of life. The use of the word "devoured" implies a sort of consuming power that death holds, and the closed eyes suggest a peaceful passing. The final lines, "You let go, your spirit flows, your troubles ascend," further reinforce the idea of release and liberation from the burdens of life. The imagery of the spirit flowing and troubles ascending gives a sense of weightlessness and freedom that death may bring.
Overall, "Ascension" is a hauntingly beautiful song that explores the concept of death and the potential for it to bring relief and release to those who have suffered in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Is there relief
Are there ways to ease the pain
For tender-headed hearts
For those who are deeply sensitive and feel the pain more than others
We'll find reprieve
There will be a break from the unbearable pain
When from this earth we part
When we leave this world behind
The sky seems clear
Everything appears to be perfect and without any imperfections
Devoured with closed eyes
You are completely consumed and engrossed in your own thoughts
The end draws near
The end of life nears
Your body severs ties
Your physical body separates from your soul
Been waiting for
Have been anticipating
This moment
The moment of leaving this world behind
For too long to regret
For a very long time, with no room for regrets
You let go
You release your soul from your body
Your spirit flows
Your soul peacefully flows away
Your troubles
All the worries, pains and problems
Ascend
Drift away or disappear completely
Writer(s): MOSES SUMNEY
Contributed by Bailey Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.