“Out of our hungry hearts a journey starts, we ache for more.
Out of this endless night begins a timeless flight we’ve never taken before.
We’re flying away … destination unclear.”
Lyrics
Verse 1
Out of our hungry hearts
A journey starts
We ache for more
And out of this endless night
Begins a timeless flight
We’ve never taken before
Chorus
We’re flying away
Flying away
Flying away
Destination … unclear
Verse 2
Well up here things can get rough
The going gets tough
Turbulence takes its toll
And though our strength is near gone
Something keeps pressing us on
Something we cannot control
Chorus
We’re flying away
Flying away
Flying away
Destination … unclear
Bridge
Never fly … never fall
Never fall … never learn
Never learn to listen
To the one who whispers “return
Verse 3
In a moment’s grace
In a moment’s space
An echo is heard
Like the ancient voice
Of an ancient choice
Its memory stirred
Chorus
We’re flying away
Flying away
Flying away
Destination … unclear
Bridge
Fly … and fall
Fall … and learn
Learn to listen
To the one who whispers “return”
Verse 4
So we close our eyes
To the endless skies
That we endlessly roam
And as we let ourselves fall
Surrendering all
We know we are home
Chorus
We’re flying away
Flying away
Flying away
Destination … right here
Notes:
The great Zen Buddhist sage, Qingyuan Weixin, once wrote:
“Before I studied Zen … I saw mountains as mountains, and rivers as rivers. When I arrived at a more intimate knowledge, I saw that mountains are not mountains, and rivers are not rivers. But now that I get to its very substance, I am at rest … I see mountains once again as mountains, and rivers once again as rivers”
In this song I am trying to echo this idea … after a long journey, the wanderer returns to where he or she started. It’s such a familiar place but now, seen through well-traveled eyes, it looks like a whole new world.
Thanks to my long-time friend, musician and sound engineer James Hewgill, for collaborating with me so sensitively in the performance and recording of this gentle piece. I’m on vocals and guitar; James plays all the synth, bass and percussion parts. Thanks mate. Nice job. Sweet memories 🙂
Earlier comments:
April: Thank you for this beautiful piece. It moved me to tears, thinking of my Mum.
Barry & Tiffany Lance: As usual Mick another beautiful song. What can I say? Gorgeous sentiment and wonderful production – a blessing to hear and experience! Thank you my friend – my love as always, Baz.
MD: Thanks mate! My love to you too.
Sharon: This is just perfect Michael!! The words – and the emotion in your voice. So beautiful. Do you think I could use it to introduce the theme of ‘leaving the safe shores of home’ at our retreat next week? You capture the message so well!
MD: Thanks Sharon. Yes, please be my guest. I’m very happy for you to use it at your retreat.
David Eddington: I love this song so much. So lovely to listen to after returning from an epic journey.
