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.
Winter
The Echoing Green Lyrics
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everytime the shadows cross my mind
and chills they trace my spine
the night is cold
the pain is old
embracing all the hopes I hold
intentions go untold...
fly away, cry away
let the tearfall drench your skin
fly away from the day
that your heart got stranded in
fly away, cry away
let the tearfall drench your skin
fly away from all the grey
of the winter that you're in
is this the endless ride
the hell inside
and no one to confide
and innocence has died
and all the prayers that I have yet to say
and all the grace I've
somehow pushed away
if I look up today... can ?
all songs (c) 2003 songs from planet earth
The Echoing Green's song "Winter" conveys a sense of loneliness and desperation through the use of vivid imagery and metaphors. The opening lines of the song emphasize the cruelty of loneliness, suggesting that it is an unkind and unwelcome feeling. The use of the phrase "shadows cross my mind" and the description of chills tracing the spine illustrate the physical and emotional effects of this loneliness. The second verse continues this theme, describing the pain as old and the hopes as unspoken. The song speaks to the feeling of being stranded in a particularly difficult time and the struggle to find a way out.
The chorus of the song offers a glimmer of hope, encouraging the listener to "fly away" from the pain and loneliness. The repetition of the phrase "fly away, cry away" adds to the sense of urgency and desperation in the song. The lyrics suggest that tears can help to cleanse and heal the wounds of the heart. The final verse of the song hints at redemption, with the singer acknowledging the prayers they have yet to say and the grace that they have pushed away. The final lines of the song suggest that the possibility of hope and healing exists if one looks up and takes action.
Line by Line Meaning
the loneliness is never kind
Being alone is always difficult and uncomfortable.
every time the shadows cross my mind
Whenever I'm reminded of negative memories.
and chills they trace my spine
And it causes an eerie feeling to run down my back.
the night is cold
It is freezing outside during the night.
the pain is old
I have been hurt for a very long time.
embracing all the hopes I hold
Trying to hold onto my positive aspirations.
intentions go untold... can I?
I wonder if I should reveal my true intentions.
fly away, cry away
Escape your worries and cry your eyes out.
let the tear fall drench your skin
Allow your sadness to consume you.
fly away from the day
Leave behind the problems of today.
that your heart got stranded in
That have made you feel trapped and hopeless.
fly away from all the grey
Escape the drab and depressing nature of the current season.
of the winter that you're in
Symbolic of a difficult time in my life.
is this the endless ride
Am I trapped in this never-ending cycle?
the hell inside
The pain and suffering that exists within me.
and no one to confide
With no trusted person to share my issues with.
and innocence has died
A loss of my purity and naivety.
and all the prayers that I have yet to say
Unspoken words of hope and faith.
and all the grace I've somehow pushed away
I have difficulty accepting forgiveness and moving on.
if I look up today... can ?
Wondering if I can have a more positive outlook on life.
Contributed by Charlotte B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.