Can you remember, remember my name?
As I flow through your life
A thousand oceans I have flown
Oh-o-o-oh
And cold, cold spirits of ice
All my life
I am the echo of your past!
this song feels grand. that's the first word i think of when i listen to it. the commanding keyboard intro gives way to huge drums and guitar. ian gillan's voice suspends itself above them like a voice of prophecy. the lyrics speak of a force that lives on through the ages, speaking to the warriors of the world and reminding them of their past.
but none of that would be nearly as enjoyable if the song wasn't so fun! the simple, steady beat makes me want to tap my foot and drum along. there's a really neat instrumental section that sounds like an imperious march. it alternates between 5/4 and 4/4 time, so it adds extra beats that keep me on my toes.
and it's so catchy! i first wanted to write about this song because the vocals kept getting stuck in my head. especially the chorus:
And if you hear me talking on the wind
You've got to understand
We must remain
Perfect strangers
the bridge after the second chorus sticks with me, too. the way ian gillan sings the word "sorrow" reminds me of how many times it comes up in opeth songs. opeth loves old rock music, so it might be more than just a coincidence.
there's a lot i love about this song. most of it is sparked by the mood it captures. it's the sound of vastness and magic.