While founder Belville is a devout Christian, it is difficult to apply the same label to the band itself; while the lyrics are at times clearly infused with a strong element of faith, they are not specifically based around praise and at no point could they be considered to be preaching a message.
The music of The Echoing Green is heavily based in electronic sounds, however these are used more for their melodious structure than any desire to create an electronic dance outfit. As such, the music comes across as a well shaped, driving flow of intricate harmonies, underpinned with somewhat reflective, even introverted, lyrics.
Away
The Echoing Green Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I hear you say
I give my hand
You push it away
We can't decide on love or suicide
Through the great divide
The earth, the moon, the tide
Would you take it?
If we could
Pray the words that endear us
Awake the vows inside
The heavens sigh
Like the groom who sees
The first glimpse of his bride...
And takes her away.
Come take us away.
Sometimes we lie
To make the truth seem kind
We cast redemption aside
Just to make it go away
Well I'm done being afraid
I'll kiss the wounds that I've made
And let the scars remain
Come take us away.
Can you take us away?
Come take us away!
Away.
The Echoing Green's song "Away" is a poignant reflection on the perils of solitude, despair, and uncertainty in relationships. The opening lines "I'm so alone, I hear you say" depict a conversation between two people in a state of emotional turmoil. The singer attempts to reach out and offer comfort, but the other person rejects their hand, showing that they are too consumed by their feelings of isolation to accept the help.
The song contemplates the tricky duality of the emotions that often arise in a relationship, namely love and suicide. Rather than providing an answer to this dilemma, the song asks the listener to ponder what they would do if they had a choice. The lyrics "If I had a way we could make it, would you take it?" suggest a longing for resolution, but it is unclear whether the singer believes it is worth the risk.
The song also explores the theme of redemption and forgiveness, as the singer declares that they are "done being afraid" and willing to "kiss the wounds" they have caused. The repeated phrase "come take us away" speaks to a sense of yearning for a fresh start, a chance to leave behind the pain of the past and embrace new beginnings. Ultimately, the song leaves the listener with a sense of ambivalence, unsure whether the singers will find their way or be swept away by the tides of fate.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm so alone
You express your loneliness
I hear you say
I'm listening to you expressing yourself
I give my hand
I'm offering my help, support, and companionship
You push it away
You reject my offer and push me away
We can't decide on love or suicide
We're struggling to choose between happiness and self-destructive tendencies
Through the great divide
Despite our differences and troubles
The earth, the moon, the tide
The forces of nature and gravity
If I had a way we could make it
If I had a solution to our problem
Would you take it?
Would you accept my solution?
If we could
If it were possible
Pray the words that endear us
Expressing our love and devotion through prayer
Awake the vows inside
Strengthening our commitment to each other
The heavens sigh
The universe seems to respond to our prayers
Like the groom who sees
A metaphor comparing our situation to a wedding
The first glimpse of his bride...
The first sight of his partner on their wedding day
And takes her away.
He takes her away to start their life together
Sometimes we lie
Admitting to being dishonest
To make the truth seem kind
Justifying our lies by believing they protect others from hurt
We cast redemption aside
We ignore the opportunity for forgiveness and growth
Just to make it go away
To avoid dealing with our problems and mistakes
Well I'm done being afraid
I'm declaring my decision to be brave and not let fear control me
I'll kiss the wounds that I've made
I will accept responsibility for my mistakes and try to heal from them
And let the scars remain
I will acknowledge the damage that has been done, but also move forward with it
Can you take us away?
Asking for someone to help us escape our troubles
Come take us away!
A desperate plea for someone to rescue us from our problems
Away.
A final declaration that we need to escape and leave our current situation behind
Contributed by Kylie L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Artica192
Stunningly beautiful. Definitely one of the best tracks on the album.
SapphirePanorama
Thanks for uploading! I love The Echoing Green, and haven't seen a ton of their stuff on here so far.
Ana maria puente
I love this song