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.
Sanctuary
The Echoing Green Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And leave me isolated
All at once I feel so free
Yet so captivated
You make the endless waves of time
Seem so temporary,
You're my missionary...
Emissary...
You define the line
Between human and divine
In this empty place
Intrinsic grace so necessary
See the skies divide
When hope and fear collides
From this cemetery
Offer me this sanctuary
There is violence when you move
Yet I'm stationary
Devastate all my design
And make it arbitrary
You break my legs yet leave my knees
My will penetrated
I'm eviscerated..
Consecrated..
Lacerated!
You define the line
Between human and divine
In this empty place
Intrinsic grace so necessary
See the skies divide
When hope and fear collide
From this cemetery
Offer me this sanctuary
This heart you break it
And make it sacred
These eyes awaken
This breath is taken from you
The Echoing Green's song Sanctuary is a poignant reflection on the power of surrendering oneself to a higher power or an external force for guidance through the complexities of life. The lyrics reflect the singer's desire to shed their naivety and embrace the isolated freedom that comes with it, even as they feel captivated by the same force. The force, the "emissary" or "missionary," is seen as a defining line between the human and the divine, offering intrinsic grace that is "so necessary." The song sees the power of this force in both the destruction and creation of the singer's identity, an increase of violence and simultaneous stillness within them.
The lyrics use beautiful imagery to convey these themes of surrender and the power of the divine. The "skies divide" when hope and fear collide, and the singer seems to find a sanctuary, even amidst a cemetery. The power of this external force is compared to violence, with the ability to devastate and break the singer's identity, only to leave it "sacred" and "consecrated."
Overall, Sanctuary is a beautifully crafted song that reflects the complexities of human emotion and the need for higher guidance through chaotic times.
Line by Line Meaning
Take naivety from me
Remove innocence and inexperience from me
And leave me isolated
Leave me alone and by myself
All at once I feel so free
Suddenly I feel unburdened
Yet so captivated
Yet still completely enamored
You make the endless waves of time
You make the vast passage of time
Seem so temporary,
Appear momentary and fleeting
You're my missionary...
You are my emissary or representative
Emissary...
Representative or messenger
Adversary.
Opponent or rival
You define the line
You establish the boundary or distinction
Between human and divine
Between being mortal and being godly
In this empty place
In this hollow and vacant space
Intrinsic grace so necessary
Natural beauty is crucial
See the skies divide
Notice the separation of the heavens
When hope and fear collides
When there is a clash between optimism and dread
From this cemetery
From this graveyard or burial ground
Offer me this sanctuary
Provide me with this place of safety and refuge
There is violence when you move
There is forcefulness in your actions
Yet I'm stationary
Yet I myself am still and unmoving
Devastate all my design
Destroy all of my plans
And make it arbitrary
And make it random and unpredictable
You break my legs yet leave my knees
You cause me pain but leave me with some ability to stand
My will penetrated
My determination is invaded or overpowered
I'm eviscerated..
I am disemboweled or emotionally drained
Consecrated..
Made holy or sacred
Lacerated!
Torn or deeply wounded
This heart you break it
You break my heart
And make it sacred
And make it holy or revered
These eyes awaken
These eyes become alert or aware
This breath is taken from you
This breath is taken away from you or is lost
Contributed by Vivian S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
first and last last is first
I am surprised I've never heard these guys before tonight.
I love this kind of music so much I feel like I've been living under a rock because I should know them .
Janny Egaxherd
now that you know em just show to your people :)
xD3p3ch3L0v3rx
They rocked in the 90's.. but now they are beyond epic!!!
TheShepherd82
@xD3p3ch3L0v3rx love things from the 90's cause i'm from its youth.the band is perfect in mixing elements :)
Carlo Agrusa
I'm not sure if I heard this song before, but they rocked that!!!
TheShepherd82
it's from the best record they did.hope they'll ever come to europe :)
Self Destruct
Thanks for uploading!!!!
Michael Kůr
Hello from Czech Republic!