Close Up the Streams

Song Meaning

The lyrics present a scene of impending revelation, framed by a directive to "Close up the Streams." This command, coupled with the observation that "meadows have drunk enough," suggests a turning point where a period of absorption or preparation is complete. The narrator is told there's a "sign" in these words, hinting at a deeper, secret meaning to be proclaimed. This sets a tone of anticipation for something significant to unfold. The central tension arises from the repeated, urgent calls to "Run to meet me, walk to me." This insistent invitation, juxtaposed with the closing of the streams, creates a sense of both urgency and transition. The inclusion of phrases like "GÆGHN MIS, GÆGHN MIS" and the Latin "RIVos IaM CLaVDe PVer sat prata bIberVnt" (which translates to "Now the streams are closed, the meadows have drunk enough") reinforces the idea of a definitive end to one phase and a call to embrace the next. The most striking craft element is the blending of direct commands with evocative, almost mythical imagery. The transition from practical instructions about streams to the appearance of "Angels are grinding their swords" and "Muses are singing their song" marks a shift from the mundane to the celestial or artistic. This escalation suggests that the "revelations to come" are not merely personal but carry a grand, perhaps even cosmic, significance. These lyrics achieve their impact through a sense of dramatic finality and the promise of profound change. The repetition of the invitation to meet creates a compelling pull towards an unknown future, while the imagery of celestial beings preparing for action underscores the magnitude of the impending revelation. It’s the feeling of standing on the precipice of something monumental, signaled by the simple act of closing off a source of sustenance.