To Varuna

Song Meaning

The lyrics for "To Varuna" open with a reverent invocation, calling a powerful deity "earthward unto us." This initial plea quickly shifts to a scene of intense fear and judgment. The supplicants confront a divine presence whose "face doth scorch as flames" of angry fire, creating an immediate and jarring emotional pivot. The central tension of these lyrics lies in the supplicants' acknowledgment of potential wrongdoing against Varuna, yet their desperate assertion of an enduring bond. They plead, "if we have sinned... yet we are thine own," suggesting a deep-seated connection they believe should transcend any transgression. This creates a poignant appeal for mercy and recognition despite their perceived fall from grace. The lyrics masterfully employ nostalgia to amplify this emotional conflict. A detailed recollection of "happy days" paints a vivid picture of a lost golden age: walking "fearlessly walked we" into Varuna's shining mansion and sailing "gently, gliding so smoothly" in his boat. This stark contrast with the present, where Varuna's face burns with anger, underscores the profound depth of their estrangement and their longing for that past harmony. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their raw portrayal of a broken but persistent bond. The repeated plea for shelter and the assertion of belonging reveal a profound human need for connection and forgiveness from a higher power, even when facing its most terrifying aspect. It's a powerful depiction of faith grappling with fear and consequence.