Utilizing a simple arrangement of strumming banjo and delicate vocal phrasing, the melody alternates between major and minor chords while developing exponentially with increasing complexity of timbre and harmonies building to a crescendo.
The Transfiguration
Sufjan Stevens Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
to the mountainside to pray,
his countenance was modified, his clothing was aflame.
Two men appeared: Moses and Elijah came;
they were at his side.
The prophecy, the legislation spoke of whenever he would die.
Then there came a word
Then Peter spoke, to make of them a tabernacle place.
A cloud appeared in glory as an accolade.
They fell on the ground.
A voice arrived, the voice of God,
the face of God, covered in a cloud.
What he said to them,
the voice of God: the most beloved son.
Consider what he says to you, consider what's to come.
The prophecy was put to death,
was put to death, and so will the Son.
And keep your word, disguise the vision 'till the time has come.
Lost in the cloud, a voice. Have no fear! We draw near!
Lost in the cloud, a sign. Son of man! Turn your ear.
Lost in the cloud, a voice. Lamb of God! We draw near!
Lost in the cloud, a sign. Son of man! Son of God!
In Sufjan Stevens's song "The Transfiguration," he refers to an event in the Bible where Jesus took three of his disciples, Peter, James, and John, to a mountain to pray. While there, Jesus's appearance was modified or transformed, and his clothing shone brightly. Suddenly, two figures appeared with him, Moses and Elijah, who were considered the greatest prophets in Jewish history. They spoke with Jesus, and Peter asked if they could build a tabernacle as a place of worship for them. As they were speaking, a cloud descended upon them, and a voice that was believed to be God's, spoke about Jesus being his most beloved son and about his impending death.
The lyrics explore the significance of this event and the ideas surrounding it. The cloud represents the holiness of God and His presence, while Peter's request to build a tabernacle situates the event in Jewish history, which was marked by the building of the Tabernacle in Exodus, where Moses communicated with God. The voice that speaks from the cloud emphasizes the importance of following Jesus's message, even though it means accepting his death, which represents the sacrifice of God himself. The final lines of the song, "Lost in the cloud, a voice. Lamb of God! We draw near! Lost in the cloud, a sign. Son of man! Son of God!" emphasize the transcendence of God and the mystery surrounding Him, asking the listener to draw closer to the divine even if it is sometimes shrouded in mystery.
Overall, the song is a moving and contemplative reflection on Christian theology and the nature of God, asking the listener to consider the profound mystery of God's presence in the world and the sacrifices made on behalf of humanity.
Line by Line Meaning
When he took the three disciples to the mountainside to pray,
He took three of his followers to a mountain to pray.
his countenance was modified, his clothing was aflame.
His appearance changed and his clothes started to shine.
Two men appeared: Moses and Elijah came; they were at his side.
Moses and Elijah appeared and stood with him.
The prophecy, the legislation spoke of whenever he would die.
The prophecy and law mentioned his death.
Then there came a word of what he should accomplish on the day.
Then he received a message about what he needed to do that day.
Then Peter spoke, to make of them a tabernacle place.
Then Peter suggested building a shelter for them.
A cloud appeared in glory as an accolade. They fell on the ground.
A cloud appeared and they fell to the ground in awe.
A voice arrived, the voice of God, the face of God, covered in a cloud.
God's voice and face appeared in the cloud.
What he said to them, the voice of God: the most beloved son.
God spoke and referred to Jesus as his beloved son.
Consider what he says to you, consider what's to come.
They were told to listen and think about what was to come.
The prophecy was put to death, was put to death, and so will the Son.
The prophecy about his death will come true, just as he will die.
And keep your word, disguise the vision 'till the time has come.
They were told to keep the message secret until the time was right.
Lost in the cloud, a voice. Have no fear! We draw near!
They felt lost and heard a voice, but were reassured not to be afraid.
Lost in the cloud, a sign. Son of man! Turn your ear.
They saw a sign and were told to listen.
Lost in the cloud, a voice. Lamb of God! We draw near!
They again heard a voice and were told they were near the Lamb of God.
Lost in the cloud, a sign. Son of man! Son of God!
They saw another sign and were reminded that Jesus was both the son of man and the son of God.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind