Song Meaning
The lyrics paint a picture of someone addressing "Enya," questioning her emotional state and coping mechanisms. There's a sense of concern that Enya might be suppressing anger, hiding it away in a "temple" or "inner circle." The imagery of "flowers bloom like fire" initially suggests vibrancy, but this quickly shifts to "colours faded and you're cold," indicating a loss of vitality or emotional warmth. The narrator seems to be urging Enya to find strength not in physical power but in self-preservation and pride, even as faith appears to be waning.
The central tension lies in the contrast between Enya's apparent outward serenity, symbolized by her "temple" and "garden" where "angels gather," and the underlying emotional turmoil the narrator perceives. The question "is there a word for anger" directly probes this potential suppression. The narrator suggests that true strength is internal, "Strength ain't muscle," and that Enya should "Hold onto your pride" as a means of navigating difficult times, even when "faith will wither."
The most striking craft element is the recurring motif of "hiding" and "shelter." Enya is seen hiding in her "temple," "inner circle," and being taken "into hiding" by angels. This repeated idea emphasizes a perceived withdrawal from emotional expression or confrontation. The lyrics also juxtapose natural imagery like "flowers bloom like fire" and "garden" with states of emotional decay, "colours faded," "cold," and "faith will wither," creating a poignant sense of lost potential or suppressed pain.
These lyrics resonate because they articulate a common struggle with emotional vulnerability and the ways people might seek refuge. The narrator's direct address and probing questions create an intimate, almost confessional tone. The hope offered, that "Hurt won't live forever" and that Enya might find "hope for future" by burning "inhibitions away," provides a gentle, albeit uncertain, path toward healing and emotional freedom.