The Crow the Owl and the Dove
Nightwish Lyrics

Don't give me love, don't give me faith
I do not need any love or blind belief in things without evidence.

Wisdom nor pride, give innocence instead
Rather than being filled with wisdom or pride, I would rather live with a pure heart.

Don't give me love, I've had my share
I have already experienced love, and it is not what I desire.

Beauty nor rest, give me truth instead
I do not want beauty or temporary comfort, but rather the reality of what is true.

A crow flew to me, kept it's distance
A crow approached me, but did not get too close.

Such a proud creation
This bird was very self-assured and confident.

I saw it's soul, envied it's pride
When I looked at the crow, I felt it had a strong spirit that I admired.

But needed nothing it had
However, I realized that I did not need anything that the bird possessed.

An owl came to me, old and wise
An owl approached me, an animal known for its wisdom and age.

Pierced right through my youth
It made me realize the wisdom and experience I still lack due to my young age.

I learned it's ways, envied it's sense
I observed how the owl acted and felt envious of its level-headed nature.

But needed nothing it had
In the end, I realized that I did not need the owl's wisdom, instead preferring a simpler life.

A dove came to me, had no fear
A dove landed on me without hesitation.

It rested on my arm
The bird felt so comfortable around me that it perched on my arm.

I touched it's calm, envied it's love
As I pet the dove, I experienced and admired its peaceful and loving demeanor.

But needed nothing it had
Despite this feeling of connection, I still did not need anything the bird possessed.

A swan of white, she came to me
A graceful white swan approached me.

The lake mirrored her beauty sweet
The swan looked lovely, and the lake reflected that beauty back.

I kissed her neck, adored her grace
As a show of affection, I placed a gentle kiss on the swan's neck, appreciating its elegance.

But needed nothing she could give
Despite my admiration, I still realized that I did not need what the swan had to offer either.

Gar tuht river, Ger te rheged
These repeated phrases are possibly a reference to the Welsh mythological figure Taliesin, whose poetry is connected to rivers and other natural elements.

Don't give me love, don't give me faith
The chorus repeats the message of the beginning of the song, emphasizing the artist's desire for truth and purity rather than illusions.

Wisdom nor pride, give innocence instead
The singer reiterates the same message of wanting a heart devoid of pride or pretense, instead seeking innocence and simplicity.

Don't give me love, I've had my share
This line emphasizes that the artist has already experienced love and now desires something else.

Beauty nor rest, give me truth instead
The singer repeats their preference for truth over physical pleasures, like beauty or rest.