Lyrics are a poem by the Spanish mystic Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591)
“Dark Night of the Soul,” like much of John’s poetry, is based on “Song of Songs” from the Biblical Old Testament, and also on much of the romantic poetry and lyrics of Spanish popular balladry of that time, i.e., 16th century. The “secret stair” has less to do with a staircase in a monastery, and more to do with the popular theme of lovers meeting for a late night romantic tryst. In order for this to be possible, the young maiden of the song or poem would have to sneak out of the house, by the “secret stair.”
John uses this as a metaphor for the soul in prayer who, by means of contemplation, steals away from the world unnoticed, to meet in loving relationship with God. The dark night refers to the soul’s search for God, beyond the confines of the human definitions we have put upon God.”
lyrics and more on this here
http://www.xs4all.nl/~josvg/cits/lm/lorecd53.html
*All Music by Loreena McKennitt*
Fan video by me, various arts from wikimedia commons.
Duration : 0:6:45
Cool Vid!:))*****
Cool Vid!:))*****
Megan, your …
Megan, your explanation of the lyrics added to my viewing experience. This song is one of Loreena’s most beautiful, I believe. The art you added only improves the thing…a lot. : -)
Beautiful and …
Beautiful and deeply touching. I am truly inspired.
SUBLIM!
SUBLIM!
simply beautiful.
simply beautiful.
If you were born in …
If you were born in Spain, then you must read St. John of The Cross original poems written in old castille. There is no comparison between what Loreena McKennitt wrote and the original work of St. John of The Cross.
I’m from Spain, I …
I’m from Spain, I lived 6 years in the states, if there’s anyone who really expressses the thoughts of St. John of the Cross in a song, that’s Lorena MacKennith. This poem has hunted me since I was a child.
This is soo …
This is soo beautiful Megan, thanks for your lovely comments, it’s a pleasure to know you too.
Hugs, Rita
Merry Xmas!
It looks like to …
It looks like to fly …… A different world spreads out below … a trip to the imagination…. Thank you for this trip ….:)
You have always had …
You have always had a true talent for editing these videos and always picking just the right song to accompany the visuals. Another wonderful, relaxing almost mystical presentation. Thank you so much. This is certainly worth more than five stars.
Your friend,
~Megan
I love it!!! this …
I love it!!! this is so awesome!!!
Lovely and moving …
Lovely and moving song…..
5 stars *****
This is sooo …
This is sooo beautiful….so soothing….God Bless
megansspark thank …
megansspark thank you very much!!!!!!
Orphée ramenant …
Orphée ramenant Eurydice des enfers, par Jean-Baptiste Corot 1861
what is the name of …
what is the name of the painting of the
minute 0:30?
alguien sabe como …
alguien sabe como se llama la
pintura del min 0:30
por favor si alguien sabe
diganme
san juan de la cruz …
san juan de la cruz (AVILA,Spain) : ) iam from avila … i love the letters of santa teresa de jesus too : ) recommended it
This is truly …
This is truly wonderful. I’m mesmerized. Amazing lyrics, music and artistry.
Thank you for giving us this treasure!
*****
indeed the true …
indeed the true wisdom is hidden from the world unless one seeks for it and it shall be given on the RIGHT TIME.
this book has been …
this book has been one of my greatest gift from above.
es la mas hermosa …
es la mas hermosa cansion q he escuchado
Sebastián Mexi
i am an obsessive …
i am an obsessive metalhead who listens to brutal death metal and super fast thrash metal, and very few songs have ever touched me as deep as this one.
the music is genious, the instruments touch so perfectly, and her voice is beautiful, with such a powerful meaning. and one million props to those who say the light can blind and guide while the darkness can protect and decieve.
plz try all souls …
plz try all souls night!
I love Loreena so …
I love Loreena so much. Her songs help to disillude the horrible misconception that all that is dark is evil.
Remember, the light can guide your way, but it can also blind you. The dark can shield you and keep you safe, but it can also withold the truth. There are two sides to everything.