Archangel
Walker Brothers Lyrics

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Silence
To hear once more
Her footsteps
Down a shadowed corridor
Frightened
You're overdue
The darkest day
Goes on until it's blessed by you

Archangel risin' on the moon
Just to save me from this tomb
I'll cry the tears of time all day
'Til she wipes them all away

Outside my window
On silver druppets children play
I stand here waiting
The dying of an ageless day
Dismiss young couples
Who go home to their knowing bed
And watch the rooftops
Where silent shadows slowly spread

Sleeping their dreamless sleep
They'll never know
What secrets this room keeps
They'll wait when
I'm born again
The rent's been paid
So hurry
Carry me away

Archangel risin' on the moon
Just to save me from this tomb

I'll cry the tears of time all day
'Til she wipes them all away

Overall Meaning

The Walker Brother’s song “Archangel” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that takes the listener on an emotional journey. The lyrics are poetic and abstract, and can be interpreted in a number of ways. At its core, the song seems to be about longing and redemption. The singer is deeply troubled, possibly suffering from depression or anxiety, and is desperately searching for salvation. He is haunted by memories of the past and is unable to move on. He is waiting for someone to come and rescue him from his misery, to wipe away his tears, and bring him peace.

The imagery in the lyrics of “Archangel” is very atmospheric and vivid. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song, transporting the listener to a shadowy corridor where the singer hears the sound of footsteps. The use of silence is particularly effective, creating a sense of tension and anticipation. The mention of an archangel and the moon adds a mystical element to the song, suggesting that there is something otherworldly at play. The lines “outside my window, on silver druppets children play” are both beautiful and melancholy. The contrast between the innocence of the children and the singer’s sorrowful state only serves to heighten the emotional impact of the song.

Line by Line Meaning

Silence
The absence of sound

To hear once more
To listen to something that was heard in the past

Her footsteps
The sound of her walking

Down a shadowed corridor
Along a dark hallway

Frightened
Feeling scared

You're overdue
You're late

The darkest day
The bleakest day

Goes on until it's blessed by you
The day will continue until it becomes better with your presence

Archangel risin' on the moon
An angel rising up on the moon

Just to save me from this tomb
To rescue the artist from a metaphorical grave or a miserable situation

I'll cry the tears of time all day
The singer will cry throughout the day