The song was inspired by Walt Whitman, according to songwriter and keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen. The song also deals with the meaning of life and how it is interpreted differently for the individual.
'Élan' was released as a single on 13 February 2015 (leaked on 9 February) by digital download, 10" vinyl and CD. The single contain an un-released song that doesn't appear on Endless Forms Most Beautiful called 'Sagan'. 'Sagan' is about Carl Sagan. An accompanying music video to the song was released on 13 February 2015.
'Élan' single tracklisting:
1. "Élan"
2. "Sagan" (Single-exclusive bonus track)
3. "Élan" (Alternative version)
4. "Élan" (Radio version)
Élan
Nightwish Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In tongues from the time before man
Listen to a daffodil tell her tale
Let the guest in, walk out, be the first to greet the morn
The meadows of heaven await harvest
The cliffs unjumped, cold waters untouched
The elsewhere creatures yet unseen
Finally your number came up, freefall awaits the brave
Come, taste the wine
Raise the blind
They will guide you from the light
Writing noughts till the end of time
Come, surf the clouds
Race the dark
It feeds from the runs undone
Meet me where the cliff greets the sea
The answer to the riddle before your eyes
Is in dead leaves and fleeting skies
Returning swans and sedulous mice
Writing's on the gardens book, in the minute of a lover's look
Building a sandcastle close to the shore
A house of cards from a worn-out deck
A home from the fellowship, poise and calm
Write a lyric for the song only you can understand
Come, taste the wine
Raise the blind
They will guide you from the light
Writing noughts till the end of time
Come, surf the clouds
Race the dark
It feeds from the runs undone
Meet me where the cliff greets the sea
Riding hard every shooting star
Come to life, open mind, have a laugh at the orthodox
Come, drink deep let the dam of mind seep
Travel with great élan, dance a jig at the funeral, come!
Taste the wine
Raise the blind
They will guide you from the light
Writing noughts till the end of time
Ooh, come, surf the clouds
Race the dark
It feeds from the runs undone
Meet me where the cliff greets the sea, come!
The lyrics of Nightwish's song Élan are enchanting and ethereal with a deep meaning that speaks to the human spirit. The song talks about awakening from the slumber of life and embracing the beauty and mystery of the world. It encourages us to leave behind the mundane and listen to the voice of nature, to let go of our inhibitions, and be open to the unexplored possibilities of life.
The first two lines talk about letting go of old ways and allowing spring to talk to us in a language that was used by the universe before mankind appeared. The reference to nature continues as the song talks about listening to the story of a daffodil, and letting the morning be greeted with open arms. The lyrics then talk about the bounty of nature's harvest, the unknown creatures that live elsewhere, and the exhilaration of freefalling into the unknown.
The middle section talks about unlocking one's mind to the beauty of the world. It asks us to explore and race through the unknown, to defy what is orthodox, and to accept the eccentricity of life. Finally, it encourages us to be our true selves and explore the mysteries that await us, such as straddling the line between life and death and celebrating the end of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Leave the sleep and let the springtime talk
Wake up from your slumber and embrace the new beginning of spring
In tongues from the time before man
The language spoken by nature predates humans
Listen to a daffodil tell her tale
Take time to observe the beauty and significance of small things in nature, like a daffodil
Let the guest in, walk out, be the first to greet the morn
Welcome the new day with open arms and be the first to enjoy it
The meadows of heaven await harvest
Life has its rewards that we can harvest, like the beauty of heaven on earth
The cliffs unjumped, cold waters untouched
There are still opportunities and experiences that await us
The elsewhere creatures yet unseen
There are mystical creatures and experiences that have yet to be discovered
Finally your number came up, freefall awaits the brave
After waiting for a long time, it's time to take a risk and be rewarded for being courageous
Come, taste the wine
Experience the joys of life to the fullest
Raise the blind
Open your eyes to the world and let light in
They will guide you from the light
Others will help guide you throughout life
Writing noughts till the end of time
Leave a lasting legacy even after you're gone
Come, surf the clouds
Take life as it comes and enjoy it to the fullest
Race the dark
Conquer your fears and overcome obstacles
It feeds from the runs undone
Find inspiration from mistakes and embrace imperfections
Meet me where the cliff greets the sea
Let's share a moment in a beautiful, natural setting
The answer to the riddle before your eyes
The solution to life's problems might be right in front of you
Is in dead leaves and fleeting skies
Learn from past experiences and take advantage of opportunities that present themselves
Returning swans and sedulous mice
Beauty can be found in the majesty of nature and the resilience of all creatures
Writing's on the gardens book, in the minute of a lover's look
The meaningful moments in life are often subtle and personal, like a lover's gaze
Building a sandcastle close to the shore
Enjoy the simple things in life and appreciate the moment
A house of cards from a worn-out deck
Life can be fragile, and prosperity can be fleeting
A home from the fellowship, poise and calm
Create a comfortable environment through the companionship of others and a sense of peace
Write a lyric for the song only you can understand
Make your life meaningful, and tell your unique story
Riding hard every shooting star
Seek to fulfill your aspirations, and work hard to achieve them
Come to life, open mind, have a laugh at the orthodox
Live life to the fullest, and don't be limited by societal norms
Come, drink deep let the dam of mind seep
Allow yourself to fully experience life and let your mind be open to new ideas and experiences
Travel with great élan, dance a jig at the funeral, come!
Approach life with enthusiasm and be unafraid to celebrate even when it's difficult
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Tuomas Holopainen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@alexiss6990
Lyrics
Leave the sleep and let the springtime talk
In tongues from the time before man
Listen to a daffodil tell her tale
Let the guest in, walk out, be the first to greet the morn
The meadows of heaven await harvest
The cliffs unjumped, cold waters untouched
The elsewhere creatures yet unseen
Finally your number came up, freefall awaits the brave
Come, taste the wine
Raise the blind
They will guide you from the light
Writing noughts till the end of time
Come, surf the clouds
Race the dark
It feeds from the runs undone
Meet me where the cliff greets the sea
The answer to the riddle before your eyes
Is in dead leaves and fleeting skies
Returning swans and sedulous mice
Writing's on the gardens book, in the minute of a lover's look
Building a sandcastle close to the shore
A house of cards from a worn-out deck
A home from the fellowship, poise and calm
Write a lyric for the song only you can understand
Come, taste the wine
Raise the blind
They will guide you from the light
Writing noughts till the end of time
Come, surf the clouds
Race the dark
It feeds from the runs undone
Meet me where the cliff greets the sea
Riding hard every shooting star
Come to life, open mind, have a laugh at the orthodox
Come, drink deep let the dam of mind seep
Travel with great élan, dance a jig at the funeral, come!
Taste the wine
Raise the blind
They will guide you from the light
Writing noughts till the end of time
Ooh, come, surf the clouds
Race the dark
It feeds from the runs undone
Meet me where the cliff greets the sea, come!
@phm19880
I am 43years old finnish man. I can honestly say that most of the times i cant remember when i had cried, like watery eyes that is result of emotions, feelings, memories etc in my brain. Sadly i can add one milestone when i allways remembered when i cried, that was when my, close to me and dear dad suddenly passed away from bloodstroke in his brains. He was 73. When i heard that, i remember the shock etc, no tears. In funeral, ofc i was carrying coffin on the heart side, like oldest son have to do. Bo tears. After funeral day, me and my sister were taking couple drinks my late dad apartment. I had all feelings for that situation, i think, but no tears, until i just before going sleep was going to smoke last cigarette on the balkony. Walking there, near of balkonys door, i just suddendly see picture of my dad, with casual sports/comfort clothes on, standing hand in pockets, and having that funny, peacuful smile he had, i collapse in that second, and tears start to flow, my sister who was in kitchen, scared that subben burst of scream and cry..her and mine children was sleeping in one room, i dont know they woke up or not.
My point is, what this band do, that when i follow story, lyrics, visuals..everything..i often have to pause, that i dont start to cry.
Two things made me cry last years, my dads death and nightwish🤔😅.
Have to remember that i love my two children more than myself, but they also hasnt been able to make me weeping. At least not last couple years. Still, i say again, all the feelings, pride, worry etc that father must have, i definetily had.
I am not saying, that this kind of trait is good or bad, its neutral and useless theme for deeper analyze, i think. But finnish culture is very stoic and cold, or it can be seen like that by outsiders standards. Problem that i dont cry easily, i feel like at least, is just some technical thing, tears just dont come. I can harden myself also convenient way, but it is fact that i am quite emotional person, and that makes it more interesting for me...
Sorry, just have to share in this nightside hours...
This band do something correct. Allways appreciated, no matter genre, if somebody deliver with quality that, what and how they try to deliver.
I am fan of metal music, and liked to listen this band from 2000-->...only last couple months its gone this deep, strange but enjoyable level...
@user-ii6gm4vj5b
Nope. I hope she leaves and...
MANUELA KRALLER or
DIANNE VAN GIERSBERGEN replaces her :)
I don't get it. I don't get all that hype about Floor. I couldn't find anything I can catch myself to in EFMB. Everything seemed to me like "chew-and-spit-Tarja-era-like-album" but without the proper opera vocals it just sounds like a power metal cliché. NOTHING original there (I could stand and even like Anette's period because it had some very nice tracks like Ghost River; Master Passion Greed, Bye Bye Beautiful; Slow, Love, Slow; Seven Days to the Wolves, Eva, Song of Myself) (nothing against power metal though).
I haven't listened to After Forever yet (don't know when this is going to happen though - in may be 5-6 years will be my next symphonic metal series) but I on that purpose heard the first album's first tracks... And there... Surprise! She actually sings decent opera! Where is this thing now??? If I can ask Tuomas for bad songwriting or even her?
And where are the growls she can sing? This voice and what she's capable of - this is the perfect prerequisite for great variability... And what do we get? That generic meh.
I think Nigthwish is ABSOLUTELY waisting Floor's potential as a singer.
And another thing to note - the highest note she hit on that stupid album was like E5 or F5. Once. In one song (I forgot which one though) While, in ReVamp, she used to hit G5 on a songly basis. So, even only at the CLEAN vocals she is singing here, she is NOT at her full potential.
The only thing I have as hope is the next album in... 2020 said Tuomas? (And note this - 2 albums in the span of 9 years - 2011 Imaginaerium, then 4 years until EFMB and 5 years until one that is yet to be released, while they used to release an album for every 2, 3 or worst case, 4 years - which literally, combined with what EFMB is, SHOUTS to me that Tuomas seems to have lost inspiration). I hope it will be better because I'd officially get the band out of my "to-trace" list and won't care for the following album after 2020 unless the community starts shouting that it is a change.
@maetosemroupa
Leave the sleep and let the springtime talk
In tongues from the time before man
Listen to a daffodil tell her tale
Let the guest in, walk out, be the first to greet the morn
The meadows of heaven await harvest
The cliffs unjumped, cold waters untouched
The elsewhere creatures yet unseen
Finally your number came up, freefall awaits the brave
Come, taste the wine
Raise the blind
They will guide you from the light
Writing noughts till the end of time
Come, surf the clouds
Race the dark
It feeds from the runs undone
Meet me where the cliff greets the sea
The answer to the riddle before your eyes
Is in dead leaves and fleeting skies
Returning swans and sedulous mice
Writing's on the gardens book, in the minute of a lover's look
Building a sandcastle close to the shore
A house of cards from a worn-out deck
A home from the fellowship, poise and calm
Write a lyric for the song only you can understand
Come, taste the wine
Raise the blind
They will guide you from the light
Writing noughts till the end of time
Come, surf the clouds
Race the dark
It feeds from the runs undone
Meet me where the cliff greets the sea
Riding hard every shooting star
Come to life, open mind, have a laugh at the orthodox
Come, drink deep let the dam of mind seep
Travel with great élan, dance a jig at the funeral, come!
Taste the wine
Raise the blind
They will guide you from the light
Writing noughts till the end of time
Ooh, come, surf the clouds
Race the dark
It feeds from the runs undone
Meet me where the cliff greets the sea, come!
@leerobbo92
Floor is astonishingly good, especially live. I have no idea why people are complaining. She's a perfect fit for the band.
@davemason4055
+leerobbo92 They are bitter Tarjaholics who are still unable to deal with reality even after 10 years.
@talgar8052
+Dave Mason I love Floor, I am listening to her, i like her, but i am going back to Tarja, it's bit another, so good, quality music. :-) I think Tarja can't sing Alpenglow like Floor, but Floor can't sing Wishmaster like Tarja, they are both So good, I like also Anette, she is good in official videos (Like Storytime) Still, my favorite is Simone Simons from Epica... Sorry for my bad english... I am not really good
@ShawnPowerz
+leerobbo92 As a complete newbie to the band I must say it is a controversy filled comment section on every video. I would agree with this statement completely. Only I've only watched videos of Floor live, she still rocks it. That being said I've watched some early era stuff with Tarja, and while I recognize her incredible vocal talent. I tend to lean Floor's way as she does fit the metal queen role fairly well, and jive with the band perfectly. All this aside Marco the bassist/vocals is the real shining star for me. Damn that guy rocks, amazing voice and facial hair. As long as he's in there all is well in my opinion. Which doesn't matter much as I'm just new.
@rhapsodyknight8243
Shawn Powerz
You must see this band live!......trust me.
They are touring 2016 and then it's rest/sabbatical year for them.
@talvituhkat3109
+Shawn Powerz I absolutely agree with you. Every Nightwish lady has brought a little something to the band, and they should be respected for this. No matter the frontwoman, they were all epic in their own way. But I really can't imagine the Nightwish music without Marco, even if he's not one of the founding members. For me he's the special vocal (and bassist) thing that makes NW.
@bejlicaushaj7169
I envy the people who still haven't heard Nightwish and are about to hear them for the first time. It's a magical feeling.
@astroloverschwab7297
As a newcomer, I can confirm that my ears are blessed
@entagrasnogard236
I'm not new...It's been a few years now. The passion ignites as always, the tears are as hot as the burning steel.
But it's nothing like the first time, when your soul vibrates to that same force of these words
@OneillSG7
This just happened to me! It was magical!