Song Meaning
The lyrics paint a picture of a celestial or prophetic figure, the "Bard," who possesses an all-encompassing vision of time. This Bard hears divine pronouncements and speaks with an authority that can influence cosmic forces, even "fallen, fallen light." The tone is one of urgent, almost desperate, appeal, directed towards a "lapsed Soul" and the Earth itself. There's a sense of cosmic responsibility placed upon this Bard, tasked with renewal and guidance.
The central tension lies in the Bard's plea for the Earth and the "lapsed Soul" to heed the message and return. The repeated phrase "turn away" highlights a resistance or neglect that the Bard is trying to overcome. This isn't just a gentle suggestion; it's a command born from an awareness of time's passage and the potential for renewal, as indicated by the coming "morn."
The imagery of the "starry pole" and "starry floor" suggests a connection between the celestial and terrestrial realms, implying that earthly actions have cosmic consequences. The Bard's ability to "control" the "starry pole" and "renew" light underscores the immense power at play. The contrast between the "evening dew" and the rising "morn" further emphasizes the cyclical nature of time and the opportunity for rebirth that the Bard is trying to facilitate.
These lyrics are effective because they create a sense of grand, almost mythic, stakes. The Bard's voice is presented as both ancient and eternally relevant, capable of addressing fundamental issues of existence and redemption. The direct address to the Earth and the Soul, coupled with the imagery of cosmic control, imbues the message with a profound sense of urgency and importance, making the plea for return feel like a matter of universal consequence.