Earth
Sufjan Stevens Bryce Dessner Nico Muhly James McAlister Lyrics
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Though it may have been insulted
Even if the Earth forgot
Her inheritance resulted
In contradiction, ceremony
Benediction, hallelujah
There are no more accidents
Explanations of their worth
We in turn avenge the Author
With paranoia and prediction
Exploration, competition
Ceremony, inner anguish
Lord I pray for us, hallelujah
Oh, hallelujah
Oh, hallelujah
Oh, hallelujah
Oh, hallelujah
Run, mission, run
Before we arrive
Run, mission, run
Before we arrive
Run, mission, run
Before we arrive
Run, mission, run
Before we arrive
Run, mission, run
Before we arrive
Run, mission, run
Before we arrive
Run, mission, run
Before we arrive
Run, mission, run
Before we arrive
Run, mission, run
Before we arrive
Run, mission, run
Before we arrive
Run, mission, run
Before we arrive
Run, mission, run
Before we arrive
Run, mission, run
Before we arrive
Run, mission, run
Before we arrive
Run, mission, run
Before we arrive
Run, mission, run
Before we arrive
I see it
The beauty of the earth
On my death bed
But it's too late
I'm such an idiot
I see it
The beauty of the earth
On my death bed
But it's too late
I'm such an idiot
I see it
The beauty of the earth
On my death bed
I'm such an idiot
The lyrics to "The Earth" by Sufjan Stevens, Nico Muhly, and Bryce Dessner are a contemplation of human impact on the natural world. The first verse speaks to the idea that despite the damage done to the earth by humans, its inherent innocence and beauty remain intact. This is a call to recognize that while we may have insulted or forgotten our connection to the earth, it is still ours to inherit. The second verse discusses the lack of understanding and appreciation that humans often have for other living things, leading to competition, exploration, and paranoia. The lamentation in the final verses is that of a dying person who finally sees the beauty of the earth, but it is too late to appreciate it fully.
The contrast between the innocence and beauty of the earth and the destruction wrought upon it by humans is a central theme of "The Earth". The religious imagery of "benediction" and "hallelujah" suggests that the song is a spiritual commentary as much as an environmental one. The repeated phrase "run, mission, run / before we arrive" suggests that there is still hope for future generations to make a positive impact on the earth, but it is our responsibility to do so before it's too late.
Overall, "The Earth" is a haunting and meditative piece of music that invites us to reflect on our relationship to the natural world and our responsibility to protect it.
Line by Line Meaning
Innocence was never lost
Innocence can be insulted, but never lost.
Though it may have been insulted
Innocence can be insulted, but never lost.
Even if the Earth forgot
The earth is incapable of forgetting, despite appearances.
Her inheritance resulted
The earth's worth is inherent and doesn't require explanation.
In contradiction, ceremony
Opposites exist in nature and are celebrated.
Benediction, hallelujah
Acknowledgement and praise for the earth's beauty.
There are no more accidents
Nothing happens without purpose or cause.
Living things refuse to offer
Nature doesn't need to justify itself to humans.
Explanations of their worth
Nature doesn't need to justify itself to humans.
We in turn avenge the Author
Humans seek to exploit and control nature rather than appreciate it.
With paranoia and prediction
Humans seek to control nature through fear and manipulation.
Exploration, competition
Humans seek to dominate and exploit nature for their own gain.
Ceremony, inner anguish
Humans put on a show of appreciation while feeling dissonance with the earth.
Lord I pray for us, hallelujah
Asking for guidance and connection to the earth.
Oh, hallelujah
Praise and acknowledgement for the earth's beauty.
Run, mission, run
Take action to make a difference before it's too late.
Before we arrive
Act now before the consequences of our inaction catch up to us.
I see it
Reflecting on the beauty of the earth.
The beauty of the earth
Nature's inherent worth and beauty.
On my death bed
Regretting not appreciating the earth while alive.
But it's too late
It's never too late to appreciate and take action for the earth, but it is often not realized until it's too late.
I'm such an idiot
Realizing that ignorance and lack of action caused harm to the earth.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management
Written by: Sufjan Stevens, Nico Muhly, Bryce David Dessner, James Van McAllister
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind