III. Peace, Peace!

Song Meaning

These lyrics open with a striking, almost defiant declaration: "He is not dead / He doth not sleep." This immediate assertion sets a tone of profound reassurance, challenging conventional understanding of life and death. The insistent repetition of "Peace, peace!" acts as both a calming mantra and a firm statement, preparing the listener for a deeper revelation. The central tension emerges from the contrast between this mysterious "He" and "we." The lyrics explain that "He hath awakened from the dream of life," suggesting a state of enlightenment or transcendence. This awakening is starkly juxtaposed with "we," who are described as "lost in stormy visions" and entangled in "unprofitable strife," highlighting a fundamental difference in their respective states of being. One of the most compelling craft elements is the powerful metaphor of life as a "dream." This single phrase recontextualizes existence, implying that what we perceive as reality is merely an illusion from which one can awaken. The imagery of "stormy visions" and "phantoms" further paints a vivid picture of human turmoil, making the awakened state of "He" seem all the more serene and desirable. Ultimately, the lyrics achieve their emotional impact through this profound contrast and the subsequent, universal invocation of peace. The shift to "Shalom, shanti, Salam, Shlama" — different linguistic expressions of peace — transforms the personal assertion into a global, resonant plea. This multilingual chant elevates the message from a specific observation to a universal aspiration, making the final repetitions of "Peace" feel deeply meditative and unifying.