Cathedral Song
Tanita Tikaram Lyrics


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I saw you from the cathedral
You were watching me
And I saw from the cathedral
What I should be

So take my lies
And take my time
'Cause all the others want to take my life

And I watch you with an intent, basic
It's the same for you
You hold your hand
And it's all fine - laced and
What would you make me do?

So take my lies
And take my time
'Cause all the others want to take my life

Serious for the winter time
To wrench my soul
whole cotton, whole cotton ears
But I know there must be
There must be, yes, I know there must be a place to go

You saw me from the cathedral
Well I'm an ancient heart
Yes, you saw me from the cathedral
Well here we are just falling apart

You catch me
I am tired
I want all that you are

I saw you from the cathedral
You were leaving me
And I saw from the cathedral
You could not see to see

So take my lies




And take my time
'Cause all the others want to take my life

Overall Meaning

The song "Cathedral Song" by Tanita Tikaram is a haunting and introspective piece that explores themes of self-discovery, isolation, and vulnerability. The lyrics begin with the singer describing seeing someone from a cathedral and feeling a sense of awareness of who she should be. Throughout the song, she reveals a sense of desperation for connection and understanding. She speaks about others wanting to take her life, perhaps implying that she needs someone to save her from her own thoughts and internal struggles.


The singer describes watching the other person with an intent that is almost primal, suggesting a deep longing for a connection that transcends simple conversation. She mentions the need for someone to catch her, as she is tired and worn out from her experiences. She ultimately concludes the song by reminding the listener that we all fall apart but that there must be a place to go that can offer solace and refuge. The lyrics are vague and could be interpreted in numerous ways, but the somber tone and ambiguous language point to a narrative of someone who is searching for a place to belong and for someone to understand them.


Line by Line Meaning

I saw you from the cathedral
I noticed you looking at me while I was in the cathedral


You were watching me
You had your eyes fixed on me


And I saw from the cathedral
From the cathedral's perspective, I had an insight


What I should be
The cathedral made me realize what I should aspire to be


So take my lies
Accept my dishonesty


And take my time
Be patient with me


'Cause all the others want to take my life
Others are trying to cause me harm


And I watch you with an intent, basic
I observe you intently with a primitive desire


It's the same for you
You feel the same way


You hold your hand
You are nervous or anxious


And it's all fine - laced and
You try to conceal your unease


What would you make me do?
What actions do you desire of me?


Serious for the winter time
I am deeply weighed down


To wrench my soul
It is agonizing and soul-crushing


whole cotton, whole cotton ears
I am unwilling to listen to anyone


But I know there must be
Despite everything, I am certain there is


There must be, yes, I know there must be a place to go
There is definitely somewhere to belong


Well, I'm an ancient heart
My heart and mind feel ancient with experience


Yes, you saw me from the cathedral
You observed me from the same location as I observed you


Well, here we are just falling apart
We are gradually falling apart despite our proximity to each other


You catch me
You support and protect me


I am tired
I am exhausted and drained


I want all that you are
I yearn for everything that defines you


You were leaving me
You were moving away from me


And I saw from the cathedral
Once again, I had an insight from the cathedral's viewpoint


You could not see to see
You were blind to the reality of the situation


So take my lies
Once more, accept my untruthfulness


And take my time
Be patient with me again


'Cause all the others want to take my life
Once again, others are attempting to harm me




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TANITA TIKARAM

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@DeanoEssex

I cannot believe with a voice like Tanita's that she is not in our charts in 2023. We need music like her's today 🙂

@P.willow

We sure do but the game is rigged we all know now. 😊

@o.aldenproductions.9858

Check out: Laufey

@franko6677

How is it possible that she was not even 20 when this album was released? Such depth and richness from someone who had not even lived 2 decades.

@theflyingfox8204

Yes, it's incredible!

@zrichred

I think most musicians write there best songs when they are young.

@lejlatiric7037

@@zrichred I agree!
Most bands and musicians started off at 16/17

@paulpaul8733

great talent love her

@OLYALA11

The same they now say about Diana Ankudinova

25 More Replies...

@simoneaquino3235

The best song, ever! Here in Brazil is a classic music. She is beautiful.

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