The song features two vocal samples from earlier international hit singles.
1) The first sample is a backmasked vocal sample by Kirsty Hawkshaw from "It's a Fine Day" by Opus III (1992).
"It's a Fine Day" was originally a song written by English poet and musician Edward Barton. It was recorded as a cappella in 1983 by Jane – that is, Jane Lancaster, Barton's girlfriend. Later Opus III recorded it with a full instrumental accompaniment, and used only the first verse and chorus of the original song's lyrics. This version was a major international hit in 1992.
2) The second is a vocal harmonies sample in the song "Leave It" from the 1983 album 90125 by the progressive rock band Yes. There is no co-writing credit for the Yes sample.
The beats were produced by a Roland TR-909 rhythm machine.
The original form of Halcyon is relatively uncommon; it first appeared on the Radiccio EP, and was only in the U.S. release as a single under its own name. It did not appear on a full-length album until the compilation Work 1989-2002, and then only in its shorter "single edit".
On Orbital's second eponymous album the track "Halcyon + on + on" appears as a slightly more upbeat and melodic remix of the original song. In contrast to the original, this remix is far more widely known, and has been featured on several movie soundtracks (most notably Mortal Kombat, Hackers, CKY2K and Mean Girls). The title of the remix is inspired by a contemporary advertising slogan used by the Ariston washing machine company ("Ariston + on + on"). "Halcyon + on + on" is somewhat shorter than the original, at 9 minutes and 27 seconds long.
Halcyon And On And On
Orbital Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I need a place where I can go,
Where I can whisper what I know,
Where I can whisper who I like
And where I go to see them.
I need a place where I can hide,
Where I can make my plans, and write them down
So I can read them.
A place where I can bid my heart be still
And it will mind me.
A place where I can go when I am lost,
And there I'll find me.
I need a place to spend the day,
Where no one says to go or stay,
Where I can take my pen and draw
The girl I mean to be.
The lyrics to Orbital's song "Halcyon and On and On" convey a deep longing for a place where one can be themselves without any judgement or restrictions from society. The singer longs for a place where they can go to whisper their thoughts and desires without fear of being overheard, where they can hide away from the world and be free to make plans and dream without any disruptions.
The singer seeks a haven where their heart can be at peace, and they can find themselves when they feel lost. They seek a refuge where no one can tell them what to do or where to go – a place where they can be themselves and explore their true identity. The final lines of the song express a desire to spend time in this haven, where they can draw the girl they want to be.
Overall, the lyrics of "Halcyon and On and On" are a powerful reminder of the importance of finding a safe space to be oneself, without fear of judgement, censorship, or conformity.
Line by Line Meaning
I need a place where I can go
I require a location where I can find solitude
Where I can whisper what I know
A spot where I can divulge my innermost secrets
Where I can whisper who I like
A location where I can express my feelings for someone
And where I go to see them
Where I can subsequently observe those I care about
I need a place where I can hide
Necessitating a space where I can conceal myself
Where no one sees my life inside
It must be a spot where none can find my true self
Where I can make my plans, and write them down
To plan out my future and document it for clarity
So I can read them
Hence allowing me to recall the blueprint when necessary
A place where I can bid my heart be still
A safe haven where I can calm my emotions
And it will mind me
A location that will ease and comfort me
A place where I can go when I am lost
Spot to go to when I lose my way
And there I'll find me
A place where I can rediscover who I am
I need a place to spend the day
An area to reside in throughout the day
Where no one says to go or stay
A location where no one will direct me to move or remain
Where I can take my pen and draw
To have a space conducive for creative expression
The girl I mean to be
A place to manifest the individual I aspire to be
Writer(s): Owain Anthony Barton, Paul Hartnoll, Phil Hartnoll Copyright: Sm Publishing Uk Limited, Complete Music Ltd.
Contributed by Daniel V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Věrka Soukupová
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ar1iQGAyWNM
Věrka Soukupová
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGGbQv6ofA4&list=RDMM&start_radio=1&rv=LhYib77GJMg
@solidlito
This was one of my dad's favourite tracks, he unintentionally burned it on my conscience. He passed a few months ago... thanks for everything dad.
@rolandtucker2949
It wasn't unintentionally he gave u a gift to remember him by
@CapntSpankey
Rest in peace to your father. Thank you for sharing. Thinking about him!!
@Rose-yz3nj
May he Rest in Paradise as much as this beautiful paradise of a song and much more infinity ♾️
@ferretdash
ur dad was cool
@BobsYirUncle
Stay strong ❤one love 👊
@sylvia5589
Does anyone else still get chills and goosebumps when listening to this years later. Definitely in my top 5 fav.
@jwalker310
when the bass line kicks in, its hard not to get goosebumps