Ascent
Shindell Richard Lyrics
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I cannot be of help
But you see my situation
I don't recognize myself
It happened without reason
It happened just like that
I've no more information
Beyond the simple fact
There was never any warning
There was never any sign
It's just that I woke up this morning
And eternity was mine
Search my family history
Analyze my dreams
Expose my contradictions
Reduce me to the mean
What you find might be revealing
It might very well be true
But you don't know what you're dealing with
You haven't got a clue
There was never any warning
There was never any sign
It's just that I woke up this morning
And eternity was mine
God knows I don't deserve this
After all the pain I've caused
But do me one last service
Before I take that walk
Before my soul flies from this chamber
And heaven beckons me across
Read me what the Saviour said
To that thief upon the Cross
There was never any warning
There was never any sign
It's just that I woke up this morning
And eternity was mine
In "Ascent," Richard Shindell presents a character struggling with a sudden and inexplicable spiritual transformation. The singer acknowledges their lack of understanding about this change and cannot offer any rational explanation for it. The juxtaposition between their previously known self and newfound divine presence evokes a sense of confusion and disconnect, adding to the song's overall aura of mystery.
Throughout the lyrics, the singer seems to be grappling with their own identity even as they ask others to analyze their dreams and search their family history for clues. They seem unconvinced that any exploration will yield answers, as is evident from the line, "what you find might be revealing but you don't know what you're dealing with, you haven't got a clue."
The final verse highlights the singer's struggle to come to terms with the transformation's implications. They know that they have not "deserved" the change and ask for one final service before their "soul flies from this chamber." The reference to the "thief upon the Cross" reinforces the idea of redemption through salvation, and the singer's request to be read scripture before their passing indicates their desire to reconcile their newfound spirituality with their past.
Line by Line Meaning
I have no explanation
I cannot provide any justification or elucidation
I cannot be of help
I do not have the ability or knowledge to assist
But you see my situation
However, you are aware of my current circumstances
I don't recognize myself
I am not familiar with my own identity or self-image
It happened without reason
It occurred without any explanation or cause
It happened just like that
It transpired instantaneously or abruptly
I've no more information
I do not possess any further knowledge or details
Beyond the simple fact
Other than the basic truth
There was never any warning
There was no indication or alert given
There was never any sign
No evidence or symbol was present
It's just that I woke up this morning
The only thing that happened was that I awoke today
And eternity was mine
And suddenly, I was in possession of everlasting life
Search my family history
Examine the ancestry or genealogy of my family
Analyze my dreams
Study and interpret my dreams and subconscious thoughts
Expose my contradictions
Reveal and highlight my inconsistencies or oppositions
Reduce me to the mean
Reduce and calculate me to the average or median
What you find might be revealing
The discoveries you make could be illuminating or significant
It might very well be true
It could very plausibly be accurate or factual
But you don't know what you're dealing with
However, you are unaware of the situation you are handling
You haven't got a clue
You do not have any comprehension or awareness
God knows I don't deserve this
I acknowledge that I am not worthy of this occurrence
After all the pain I've caused
Despite all the affliction or suffering I have inflicted
But do me one last service
Perform one final favor for me
Before I take that walk
Before I embark on my final journey or action
Before my soul flies from this chamber
Before my life force departs from my physical body
And heaven beckons me across
And before I am summoned or invited to the afterlife
Read me what the Saviour said
Recite to me the words spoken by the Redeemer
To that thief upon the Cross
To the criminal who was executed alongside Jesus
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: RICHARD SHINDELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind