Hymn to Manas

Song Meaning

This is a desperate plea, a ritualistic summoning aimed at someone or something that has departed this realm. The lyrics paint a picture of a profound absence, a void left by a figure who has seemingly transcended mortal existence. The repeated phrase "We call thee back to dwell with us again" acts as a powerful incantation, underscoring the urgency and perhaps the futility of the request. The central tension lies in the stark contrast between the departed's chosen destination and the living's desire for their return. The lyrics describe the escapee's journey through increasingly abstract and grand locations: "abode of Death," "lofty mountain peaks," "billows of the sea," "beyond the earth and sky," and finally, "the dread unknown" and "the All that is and is to be." These are places of ultimate separation, yet the narrator insists on pulling them back. The most striking aspect of the craft is the relentless repetition, which builds a hypnotic, almost prayer-like quality. Each stanza elaborates on the vastness of the departure, escalating the sense of loss. The imagery shifts from the tangible (mountains, sea) to the cosmic (sun, space, the All), emphasizing the immense distance the departed has traveled and the sheer audacity of the attempt to recall them. This lyrical structure creates a palpable sense of longing and a deep-seated refusal to accept separation. The unwavering call back, despite the described grandeur of the departure, highlights a profound attachment and a yearning for connection that transcends even the ultimate mysteries of existence. The effect is one of poignant, almost defiant hope against overwhelming odds.