In times of uncertainty it is often the artists of the world that nurture the Spirit of Humanity.
Such is the case with poet-philosopher-singer Leonard Cohen in his beautiful song entitled “Anthem”. Not only does the song ring true, the gorgeous interplay between Cohen and the band in the clip is illustrated as he introduces each member – honouring the gifts of their spirits as they demonstrate their command of instrument and seamless humble, yet necessary presence within the whole. Cohen knew the harmony that arises from the depth of their shared creative expression and even gave voice to this intangible, invisible quality in the lyrics:
“You can add up the parts
But you won’t have the sum”
The mysterious ineffable element to which he refers is that quality of synthesis, the vital reality, that is the living organism that sub-stands life and of which we are a part, regardless of our realisation.
Yet what stimulates realisation is the breaking forth of cracks in our ideals.
“There is a crack, a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in”.
As we watch the clip (see below) we might like to reflect on the myriad of challenges facing us within the Manifest World, the details of which can preoccupy consciousness. Take one example that began this week with the first criminal trial of a former president of the United States of America. The fact that this is happening is serving to expose the crevices and cracks in the legislative, judicial and executive branches of government, awakening the national and international consciousness to the need to revisit how, or whether, the existing forms do, and will, fulfill their purpose now and into the future.
So let us not forget the subtle, complex simplicity that artists offer to bringing light and en-lightening realisations to Humanity’s beautiful evolutionary journey.
Lyrics for the “Anthem”
The birds they sang
At the break of day
Start again
I heard them say
Don’t dwell on what
Has passed away
Or what is yet to be.
Ah the wars they will
Be fought again
The holy dove
She will be caught again
Bought and sold
And bought again
The dove is never free.
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in.
We asked for signs
The signs were sent:
The birth betrayed
The marriage spent
Yeah the widowhood
Of every government
Signs for all to see.
I can run no more
With that lawless crowd
While the killers in high places
Say their prayers out loud.
But they’ve summoned, they’ve summoned up
A thundercloud
They’re gonna hear from me.
Ring ring ring ring ring
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in
You can add up the parts
But you won’t have the sum
You can strike up the march,
There is no drum
Every heart, every heart
To love will come
But like a refugee.
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in.
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in.
That’s how the light gets in.
That’s how the light gets in.
The keynote for Taurus is: I see and when the eye is opened, all is light.
Acknowledgements:
Photo: Joe Gardner from Unsplash