The band consisted of two of the superstars of British folk guitar, Bert Jansch (3rd November 1943 - 5th October 2011) and John Renbourn (8 August 1944 - 26 March 2015) both of whom also sang, singer Jacqui McShee, bassist Danny Thompson and drummer Terry Cox. The original line-up lasted until the early 70s. They then split acrimoniously, but reformed by mutual consent around 15 years later. The original lineup worked together briefly but Renbourn left to pursue studies and other projects, leading to a succession of lineup changes and erratic output, which continued through the 80s and 90s with Jansch and McShee the only constant members. When Jansch eventually left, McShee continued to lead a distantly-related group under the name Jacqui McShee's Pentangle.
The core of the band's identity was the eclectic virtuosity of Jansch and Renbourn, who added elements of Middle Eastern music, blues, jazz and Classical to their style. At various times, they also experimented with electric guitar and sitar.
Mirage
The Pentangle Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Come, do take my hand
Carry me so far from here...
Take me far across
Deserts burning red
Mirage can take me there...
Of a rainbow dream
Falling into your arms...
The lyrics of The Pentangle's song Mirage is a call to a lover, asking them to take the singer away from their current situation, to someplace far and beyond, where it appears to be peaceful and beautiful. The singer seeks to be swayed by the illusion of the Mirage and taken to the end of the rainbow dream, where they can fall into the arms of their lover. The words "mirage can take me there" suggest that the singer is fully aware that they are not really escaping their reality, but they are willing to be deceived by the Mirage, therefore, they surrender themselves to this dreamlike state.
This song is an excellent example of the use of symbolism to express feelings of longing and escape. The Mirage that the singer speaks of represents a vision of what they desire, but it is something unattainable. Perhaps they seek to escape the loneliness or pain that they feel, and the Mirage provides a temporary respite from the reality of their situation. The call for a lover to take them away symbolizes the need for human connection and intimacy, something that can make one feel alive and fulfilled.
Line by Line Meaning
Come here, sweet lover
My dearest love, come closer to me
Come, do take my hand
Please hold my hand and come with me
Carry me so far from here...
Take me away from this place to a faraway land
Take me far across
Transport me across a great distance
Deserts burning red
Barren sandy lands with a scorching hot sun
Mirage can take me there...
The illusion can transport me to another place
Take me to the end
Bring me to the conclusion or climax
Of a rainbow dream
A fantastical mental space, like a dream with colors of the rainbow
Falling into your arms...
Surrendering myself to be embraced by you
Contributed by Jasmine E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@leofstanric2078
The first 45 single I bought with money earned as an apprentice: Travelling song/Mirage. My first concert The Pentangle album tour over 50 years ago. Memories - such a wonderful experience. Thank you Pentangle; where ever you are now!!!
@gabriellaklein8898
Magical! You can feel the heat!
@primeracalledelasoledad8439
Come here, sweet lover
Come, do take my hand
Carry me so far from here...
Take me far across
Deserts burning red
Mirage can take me there...
Take me to the end
Of a rainbow dream
Falling into your arms...
@slavkocosic5553
#1 comment : ) Very Nice...!!!