A Hymn to Pan

Song Meaning

This track opens with a direct invocation, a chorus of voices calling out to the natural world – woods, trees, bowers, lakes, and springs. The dominant tone is one of reverence and celebration, a communal greeting to the earth. The lyrics establish a sense of protection, with a higher power, referred to as 'his', defending 'our flock from blame'. This immediate setup paints a picture of a pastoral, perhaps even pagan, ritual. The central tension lies in the dual nature of the entity being praised. He is described as 'great and just', 'ever good', yet also the force that 'defends our flock'. This suggests a powerful, perhaps wild, figure whose benevolence is tied to his might. The act of singing and flinging flowers like daffodils, roses, and lilies underscores a desire to appease and honor this entity, highlighting a relationship built on both love and a need for safeguarding. The most striking craft element is the recurring, almost chant-like repetition of 'Ever holy, ever holy / Ever honour'd, ever young!'. This refrain builds a powerful sense of enduring, timeless worship. The naming of specific flowers grounds the abstract praise in tangible, beautiful imagery, making the act of devotion feel both personal and grand. The final declaration, 'Thus great Pan is ever sung!', solidifies the identity of this revered figure and the perpetual nature of his praise. These lyrics achieve their impact through a direct, almost primal call to nature and a powerful sense of communal worship. The simple, declarative statements of praise, combined with vivid floral imagery and the insistent, rhythmic refrain, create an atmosphere of ancient, unwavering devotion. It's this blend of the tangible natural world and the abstract, powerful deity that makes the song's tribute feel so potent and enduring.