Men-an-Tol

Song Meaning

The lyrics open with a vivid scene of raw release, as the narrator runs "like a mad man on the moor" in the "south western hills." Here, the "sweet Atlantic rain" promises cleansing, washing away personal "ills." Amidst this wild landscape, the ancient "men-an-tol shone strangely in the storm," suggesting a powerful, almost mystical presence. This natural encounter sparks a profound internal shift, described as "the strangest feeling in the air around." It's more than just an emotion; it's "a different way of seeing," leading to "a different kind of life" and ultimately, "Something I believe in." This newfound clarity stands in stark contrast to the urban environment, where "city lights" and "faceless signs" actively "hide what I hold dear," obscuring the very truth discovered in nature. Yet, the lyrics insist this truth isn't lost to the city; it's "there to find if you have the mind / And you don't live in fear of it." The narrator's journey continues, resting among the remnants of past lives, witnessing "Lighting strikes the top of zennor tor," and lamenting "man's pathetic score." This critique of "Years of knowledge wasted and ignored" underscores a deep disappointment with humanity's disconnect from ancient wisdom or natural insight. The repeated pre-chorus and chorus reinforce the central tension: the struggle to maintain this profound, natural belief system against the overwhelming, obscuring forces of modern urban life. The lyrics suggest that true understanding requires active engagement and a willingness to overcome fear, implying that the spiritual clarity found in the wild is not just a fleeting moment but a discoverable truth, even amidst the "faceless towers" of the city.