Below are the lyrics of Solsbury Hill by Peter Gabriel - you know, ex of
Genesis. Back when it first came out, I took things so literal. What a pleasure
to have hindsight.
This song is the raw emotion of soul-searching, weight off your shoulders,
kidney pumping adrenaline that comes from taking a risk and to believe in
something against the grain; that feeling of epiphany from realising that
change is what you needed.
I've hiked on a few hilltops and actually reached a plateau or two. Standing
on the edge of that cliff - you know that feeling of - If I fall off here, I'm dead.
Well the eagle is a great symbol, that of a creature in his element in places
where we aren't comfortable. You can respect things that are outside your
comfort zone or bigger than you if you have the courage to face your fears
and get up out of the rut that limits your perspective - and what you will see
is worth all the risk.
You will know you are truly alive when your heart starts going BOOM, BOOM,BOOM.
Don't be an empty silhouette, take a risk and be comfortable with the uncomfortable.
*** Solsbury Hill ***
Climbing up on Solsbury Hill
I could see the city light
Wind was blowing, time stood still
Eagle flew out of the night
He was something to observe
Came in close, I heard a voice
Standing stretching every nerve
Had to listen had no choice
I did not believe the information
I just had to trust imagination
My heart going boom boom boom
"Son," he said "Grab your things,
I've come to take you home."
To keep in silence I resigned
My friends would think I was a nut
Turning water into wine
Open doors would soon be shut
So I went from day to day
Tho' my life was in a rut
'Till I thought of what I'd say
Which connection I should cut
I was feeling part of the scenery
I walked right out of the machinery
My heart going boom boom boom
"Hey" he said "Grab your things
I've come to take you home."
When illusion spin her net
I'm never where I want to be
And liberty she pirouette
When I think that I am free
Watched by empty silhouettes
Who close their eyes but still can see
No one taught them etiquette
I will show another me
Today I don't need a replacement
I'll tell them what the smile on my face meant
My heart going boom boom boom
"Hey" I said "You can keep my things,
They've come to take me home."
- Peter Gabriel