Extending the ideas of Japan's 'Tin Drum' and the quieter moments of the first two No-Man albums, ‘Flame’ blended Tim's lustrous voice with Richard's uniquely textured approach to synthesizer arrangements. It also featured guest performances by Danny Thompson, Michael Bearpark, Richard’s former Japan/Rain Tree crow bandmates (Steve Jansen, Mick Karn) and members of Porcupine Tree (Steven Wilson, Chris Maitland and Gavin Harrison). This is Tim and Richard’s sole collaboration to date.
A Night in Heaven
Richard Barbieri & Tim Bowness Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Listen to the cry of my heart
Hear it cry in the dying light.
I'm feeling the hunger
I'm waiting for the storm to pass
I remember that dream.
I will never share with you
A night in heaven
A living dream of truth.
A night in heaven
I tell you everything
A night in heaven
I talk and tell you everything.
Listen to my heart cry
Listen to the cry of my heart
Hear the cry of this broken night.
I'm watching the plants grow tall
I'm waiting for the light to fall
To deceive me, again.
A night in heaven
I will never share with you
A night in heaven
A living dream of truth.
A night in heaven
I tell you everything
A night in heaven
I talk and tell you everything.
I'm waiting for the light to fall.
The lyrics to Richard Barbieri and Tim Bowness's song "A Night in Heaven" are emotional and introspective. The first verse begins with a plea to listen to the cry of the heart, which is dying in the light. Perhaps the singer is experiencing an emotional darkness or loss that feels suffocating. They are waiting for a moment of relief, a break from the storm that's overshadowing their life. The second verse mentions a dream that the singer had, one that remains unfulfilled. They are longing for a special experience or connection that they haven't been able to find.
The chorus speaks to this unattainable dream. There was a night in heaven where the singer experienced a living dream of truth, an experience that was so meaningful that they want to share it with someone else. However, they won't be able to replicate it, and this night in heaven is only a memory. The last verse mentions watching plants grow, which could imply a sense of time slowly passing. They are waiting for the light to fall, perhaps a metaphor for their hope that things will get better. But they are also aware that the light can deceive them, as they've been let down before.
In summary, the lyrics to "A Night in Heaven" are a rumination on longing, loss, and a search for meaning. The singer is looking for an experience that they once had but will never be able to fully recreate.
Line by Line Meaning
Listen to my heart cry
Please pay attention to the deep emotional pain I'm experiencing
Listen to the cry of my heart
Hear the desperate plea inside me that's calling out for help
Hear it cry in the dying light.
Note how my pain and sadness are more visible as the light fades and night sets in
I'm feeling the hunger
There's an intense craving inside me that is not being satisfied
I'm waiting for the storm to pass
I'm hopeful that this difficult situation will eventually improve
I remember that dream.
I recall a time when things were good, inspiring me to keep going despite the current situation
A night in heaven
A rare, almost mystical experience of peace and happiness
I will never share with you
This heaven-like experience is so personal that it cannot be expressed fully to anyone else
A living dream of truth.
A moment of unadulterated joy that feels absolutely real and meaningful
I tell you everything
I can confide in you and share my most intimate thoughts and feelings
I talk and tell you everything.
I'm at a point where I need to open up and connect with someone, even if it's just through words alone
Hear the cry of this broken night.
This night feels like it's falling apart, mirroring how I feel inside
I'm watching the plants grow tall
I'm paying attention to the small, natural miracles around me in an attempt to find hope and inspiration
To deceive me, again.
I'm afraid that even if things start to look up, it might just be a temporary illusion that will crush me later on
I'm waiting for the light to fall.
I'm anticipating the darkness to become even deeper, worsening the situation further
Contributed by Isaac J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Heaventaste S
I love Tim Bowness. Everything he creates is beautiful.
Miriam Ruberl Artist
So few view, such a shame, deserve much more recognition !
Donkho de Helio
This is amazing. Listen to my heart cry...
Sergio Calzoni
Pure bliss!!
Kate Murphy
So beautiful.
Kate Murphy
Beautiful.
Gianni Dainotti
kate, almost a non-earthly music ... A deeply inspired composition.
Gianni Dainotti
Thank You Miriam, I appreciate your comment, but I think this wonderful music it's not for everybody ! This music requires a kind of sensibility and "navigation" through a particular musical view. At least, in my opinion. Thank You for writing
Antonio Fazio
Stupenda !
Gianni Dainotti
Probabilmente, questo è il miglior brano dell'album, ma i restanti brani che compongono "Flame", sono stupendi. Con arrangiamenti sofisticati e una musicalità fuori dal comune, "Flame" è un album che non può mancare nella discografia di chi ascolta la musica con sensibilità