En Gallop
Newsom Joanna Lyrics
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I am already gone
And the halls were lined with the disembodied
And the dustly wings, which fell from flesh
Gasplessly
And I go where the trees go
And I walk from a higher education
It beats me, but I do not know
And it beats me but I do not know
It beats me, but I do not know
I do not know
Palaces and storm clouds
The rough, straggly sage
And the smoke
And the way it will all come together
In quietness and in time
And you laws of property
Oh, you free economy
And you unending afterthoughts
You could've told me before
Never get so attached to a poem
You forget truth that lacks lyricism
Never draw so close to the heat
That you forget that you must eat, oh
"En Gallop" is a song by Joanna Newsom from her album "The Milk-Eyed Mender" released in 2004. The lyrics depict a sense of detachment and a longing for escape from a somber and ghostly environment. The opening lines set the tone for the song, describing a place that feels damp and eerie, where the singer feels as though she is already gone. The mention of disembodied beings and falling dusty wings adds to the ethereal and otherworldly atmosphere.
The chorus suggests a desire to break free from the confinements of societal expectations. The repetition of "It beats me, but I do not know" conveys a sense of uncertainty and frustration. There's an acknowledgment that there are unseen forces shaping one's path, but the singer lacks clarity on what those forces are or how to navigate them. This theme of uncertainty and the search for meaning is enhanced by the line, "And I walk from a higher education for now and for hire," hinting at a departure from traditional forms of learning and employment.
The second verse delves into contrasting images of palaces and storm clouds, rough sage, and smoke. These seemingly unrelated elements represent the complexity and turbulence of life. The image of things coming together in quietness and time reflects a hopeful anticipation that eventually, clarity and understanding will prevail.
The lyrics close with a reflection on the impermanence of attachment. The cautionary message advises against becoming so enamored with art or intellectual pursuits that one loses touch with basic needs, symbolized by the line, "That you forget that you must eat, oh." It emphasizes the importance of grounding oneself in reality while seeking and appreciating beauty.
Overall, "En Gallop" explores themes of detachment, uncertainty, and the search for meaning. It invites reflection on the delicate balance between intellectual pursuits and the necessity of tending to basic human needs.
Line by Line Meaning
This place is damp and ghostly
The environment is cold, eerie, and full of unseen spirits
I am already gone
I am mentally and emotionally disconnected from this place
And the halls were lined with the disembodied
The corridors were filled with unseen, spiritual entities
And the dustly wings, which fell from flesh
The ethereal wings, once part of living beings, now lie dusty on the ground
Gasplessly
Without a sound or breath
And I go where the trees go
I align myself with the natural world and its constant change
And I walk from a higher education
I distance myself from formal learning, seeking alternative paths
For now and for hire
Temporarily and in exchange for work
It beats me, but I do not know
I am confused and unsure
Palaces and storm clouds
Luxurious structures juxtaposed with tumultuous weather
The rough, straggly sage
The wild and unrefined wisdom
And the smoke
The elusive and transient nature of things
And the way it will all come together
The eventual harmonious melding of elements
In quietness and in time
In tranquility and with the passage of time
And you laws of property
Referring to societal regulations regarding ownership
Oh, you free economy
The economic system that values unrestricted individual liberty
And you unending afterthoughts
The continuous regrets and considerations that come too late
You could've told me before
You should have warned me or provided information earlier
Never get so attached to a poem
Don't become overly enamored with poetic expression
You forget truth that lacks lyricism
Neglecting the importance of straightforward, unadorned truths
Never draw so close to the heat
Don't become too infatuated or entangled with intense situations
That you forget that you must eat, oh
To the extent of neglecting your basic needs
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING
Written by: Joanna Newsom
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind