The Ark
Rafferty Gerry Lyrics


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See the dark night has come down on us
The world is livin' in its dream
But now we know that we can wake up from this sleep
And set out on the journey
Find a ship to take us on the way.

The time has come to trust that guiding light
And leavin' all the rest behind
We'll take the road that leads down to the waterside
And set out on the journey
Find a ship to take us on the way.

And we'll sail out on the water
Yes we'll feel the seas roll
Yes we'll meet out on the water
Where are all strangers are known.

If you travel blindly, if you fall
The truth is there to set you free
And when your heart can see just one thing in this life
We'll set out on the journey
Find a ship to take us on the way.

And we'll sail out on the water
Yes we'll feel the seas roll
Yes we'll meet out on the water
Where are all strangers are known.

See the dark night has come down on us
The world is livin' in its dream
But now we know that we can wake up from this sleep
And set out on the journey
Find a ship to take us on the way.

And we'll sail out on the water
Yes we'll feel the seas roll




Yes we'll meet out on the water
Where are all strangers are known.

Overall Meaning

"The Ark" by Gerry Rafferty is a song about a journey towards the truth amidst the darkness that has descended upon the world. The lyrics are filled with metaphors and symbolic imagery that suggest the idea of embarking on a quest to discover the truth that lies beyond the veil of ignorance. The singer urges the listener to trust the guiding light and leave behind the illusions that hold them captive in a dream-like state.


The journey that the singer is referring to is not just a physical one, but a spiritual one. They consider the possibility of waking up from the sleep and taking the road that leads down to the waterside, where they can find a ship to take them on the way. It implies that we can free ourselves from the illusions that surround us and discover the truth that lies beyond.


The chorus of the song emphasizes the idea of sailing out on the water, feeling the seas roll and meeting strangers who are known. These lines suggest the idea of breaking free from the limitations of one's current existence, exploring the unknown, and meeting new people who share similar quests.


Line by Line Meaning

See the dark night has come down on us
The world is in a state of darkness and confusion


The world is livin' in its dream
People are living in a state of ignorance and fantasy


But now we know that we can wake up from this sleep
We can awaken from this state of unawareness


And set out on the journey
Begin our quest for knowledge and understanding


Find a ship to take us on the way.
Find a vessel to guide us on our journey


The time has come to trust that guiding light
It is time to put our faith in a higher power


And leavin' all the rest behind
Leave behind all material possessions and distractions


We'll take the road that leads down to the waterside
We will follow the path that leads to the ocean


And we'll sail out on the water
We will embark on a journey across the sea


Yes we'll feel the seas roll
We will experience the powerful forces of nature


Yes we'll meet out on the water
We will encounter other travelers on our journey


Where are all strangers are known.
Where everyone is equals and known to each other


If you travel blindly, if you fall
If you journey without direction or purpose, or if you make mistakes


The truth is there to set you free
The truth will provide clarity and freedom


And when your heart can see just one thing in this life
When you can focus on a singular goal or purpose


We'll set out on the journey
We will begin our quest


Find a ship to take us on the way.
Find a vessel to guide us on our journey




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: GERALD RAFFERTY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@robharding5345

The album City to city, is still a classic album, to compete with any other of modern times.

@donkjr

The vocals here are just brilliant. This song is just plain incredible!

@tautliners

Reminds me of the wonderful 70's, happy times.

@thorsvensson8172

I’m not in any way a spiritual bloke, but this song lifts my soul to a new level. It’s a song for our post truth age and offers some hope for escape from the liars and charlatans who dominate the world.

@stuartg4670

You're not alone with that sentiment

@soupyschitz

Whatevers written in your heart

@staceymurray9644

I'm from paisley Gerrys home town we are all awakening to it all

@MonkeyNutPlugs

Sounds like you're actually a spiritual bloke! ;) ... Respect! & I so agree!

@roseeven6515

I agree that you are more spititual than you relaize. Please know that there is a vast difference between "spiritual" and "religiious" also. I have felt the same way as you described since I first heard and loved this song in the 1970s.

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@terrystorey5331

Hair standing up on the back of my neck, another classic from Gerry, still listening in MAY 2021, 76 years old and grateful that i can listen to one of the all time great musicians,been listening way before baker st, never tire of listening to his voice which has a hypnotic quality,sadly taken far too son.

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