The Phoenix

Judee Sill

I love the emotion in her songwriting — an overwhelming sense of hope drives it, even though the imagery and ideas are esoteric, dramatic. No doubt dangers are lurking in this little portrait — what with the Storms raging, the Webs spun. The Devil, the Dragons, the Fire. But we all know the story of the Phoenix. All will be overcome and we will rise from the ashes. Another two and a half minute jewel of a song — I love this guitar and Judee’s melodic vocals are magical. You can hear that beautiful 70’s analog in Henry’s masterful recording. And I love the little touches — those “ooo’s” at 1:15, 1:50 are so perfectly realized.

The sun was red, and the fires were roarin'
Stars aligned and the webs were spun
I coulda sworn I heard my spirit soarin'
Guess I'm always chasin' the sun
Hopin' we will soon be one
Until it turns around to me, then I try to run…

On phosphorous wings the phoenix floated
The fires froze and the sea was hushed
And when I tried to speak, the sun imploded
And the war will wage in my guts
Till the Devil bites the dust,
I never say him losin' a race, but I think he must…

The great storm raged and the power kept growin'
Dragons rose from the land below
And even now I wonder where I'm goin'
Ever since a long time ago
I've tried to let my feelings show
I'd like to think I'm bein' sincere, but I'll never know…