Random Pan
Steve Kilbey Lyrics
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Well I saw it in a vision
I heard it in evangelist's sighs
Down beyond the station
Yonder lies salvation
In the afternoons and the skies
A child has been born
Who can converse with the corn
Decipher the cicadas
When his legs will take him farther
He'll be fed royal jelly from the bees
Random pan
They say the spirit's manifesting
And the eagles have been nesting
And the river is catering to the fish
Aside a waving sea of reeds
Where the sacred swans will feed
Providence provides you with a wish
And you wish to understand
And you look down at your hands
And your fingers are all feathered and divine
If you fade into the darkness
Or the softness and the starkness
As the manna drains into your mind
The lyrics of Steve Kilbey's song "Random Pan" are evocative and full of imaginative imagery. In the opening lines, Kilbey sings about the hope and optimism of good times coming, which he saw in a vision or heard in the sighs of an evangelist. He describes salvation as lying "down beyond the station," and suggests that it is accessible in the afternoons and the skies. Kilbey's language in these lines is both dreamlike and spiritual, with references to children who can converse with the corn, and a promise of royal jelly as nourishment.
As the song progresses, Kilbey continues to weave together themes of nature and spirituality, suggesting a connection between the two. He speaks of the spirit manifesting and eagles nesting, before describing a scene by a river where the fish are catered to and the sacred swans feed. Kilbey's language becomes more poetic in this section, with references to "a waving sea of reeds" and "the softness and the starkness" that manna can bring to the mind. Throughout the song, Kilbey seems to be encouraging the listener to look beyond the material world and seek out these moments of spiritual transcendence in nature.
Overall, "Random Pan" is a captivating song that showcases Kilbey's skill at conjuring up vivid imagery and exploring complex themes through his lyrics. The song invites the listener to contemplate spiritual and metaphysical questions, while also taking delight in the beauty of the natural world.
Line by Line Meaning
Good times are a'coming
The future is looking bright and promising.
Well I saw it in a vision
I had a premonition or insight into the future.
I heard it in evangelist's sighs
I sensed a positive energy from a religious person.
Down beyond the station
In a place far from here.
Yonder lies salvation
Hope and redemption can be found in that direction.
In the afternoons and the skies
During the daytime, under the open sky.
A child has been born
A new life has entered the world.
Who can converse with the corn
Someone who can communicate with nature and its elements.
Who has access to the sadness of the trees
Someone who can empathize with nature and its ecosystem.
Decipher the cicadas
Understand the messages of the natural sounds and creatures.
When his legs will take him farther
As the child grows and ventures out into the world.
He'll be fed royal jelly from the bees
He will receive the best care and nourishment from nature.
Random pan
A nonsensical or abstract idea or thought.
They say the spirit's manifesting
There are signs of a spiritual presence or energy.
And the eagles have been nesting
Nature is thriving and bringing forth new life.
And the river is catering to the fish
The ecosystem is in balance and working well.
Aside a waving sea of reeds
Next to a vast expanse of natural beauty.
Where the sacred swans will feed
A place of tranquility where nature and its creatures can thrive.
Providence provides you with a wish
The universe offers you a possibility or opportunity to fulfill a desire.
And you wish to understand
You seek clarity and knowledge.
And you look down at your hands
You examine your own physical existence and presence.
And your fingers are all feathered and divine
You feel connected to nature and its elements on a divine level.
If you fade into the darkness
If you retreat into solitude or obscurity.
Or the softness and the starkness
The beauty and challenges of life.
As the manna drains into your mind
As you absorb spiritual energy and knowledge from nature.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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