meurglys0
07-08-2009, 10:24 PM
I have gone through the threads regarding this song, and I have read some Alan Gullette's illuminating interpretation of the Tales here (http://alangullette.com/essays/music/tales.htm). However I still have questions about the lyrics of "The Ancient":
1. Why are the names of sun gods (or goddesses) of ancient civilizations (plus a few words that correspond to sun in other languages like gunes, sol, qurax etc.) mentioned?
2. What does worshipping the sun or associating a god with it to do with ancient civilizations being "as one with the knowledge" or "marching as one with the earth"?
3. What's the message of the song and what does it have to do with the sun gods?
4. Does anyone know of any interviews or articles where Jon (or any other Yes member) explains what the significance of the sun gods in this song is?
In fact, all of my questions could have been wrapped up in the form of this last question, as it encapsulates the essence of my questioning:
5. As a monotheist I feel a great urge to know if this song -which might as well be my favorite Yes song- is/contains some sort of a celebration of polytheism (or worshiping another god other than or along with God, which in this case is sun god?)
Looking forward to your opinions/interpretations...
Thanks in advance for your replies.
1. Why are the names of sun gods (or goddesses) of ancient civilizations (plus a few words that correspond to sun in other languages like gunes, sol, qurax etc.) mentioned?
2. What does worshipping the sun or associating a god with it to do with ancient civilizations being "as one with the knowledge" or "marching as one with the earth"?
3. What's the message of the song and what does it have to do with the sun gods?
4. Does anyone know of any interviews or articles where Jon (or any other Yes member) explains what the significance of the sun gods in this song is?
In fact, all of my questions could have been wrapped up in the form of this last question, as it encapsulates the essence of my questioning:
5. As a monotheist I feel a great urge to know if this song -which might as well be my favorite Yes song- is/contains some sort of a celebration of polytheism (or worshiping another god other than or along with God, which in this case is sun god?)
Looking forward to your opinions/interpretations...
Thanks in advance for your replies.