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The Dark Night of The Soul


The Dark Night of The Soul by Loreena McKennitt is a hauntingly beautiful song in its original tonality. The song is inspired by a poem written by Saint John of the Cross in the 16th century, depicting the journey of the soul towards spiritual union with God. Loreena McKennitt, a Canadian singer-songwriter, is both the interpreter and composer of this captivating piece. The track showcases her mesmerizing vocals and intricate instrumental arrangements, with elements of Celtic and Middle Eastern influences. A fascinating fact about the song is that Loreena McKennitt collaborated with the late Leonard Cohen on his final album, which also included his version of "The Dark Night of The Soul". The melody of the song is enchanting and ethereal, evoking a sense of longing and transcendence.

The Dark Night of The Soul - Loreena McKennitt

a# c d d
Upon a darkened night
a# g f f d d# d c a a#
the flame of love was burning in my breast
a# a# c c d d
And by a lantern bright
a# g f f d d# d c a a#
I fled my house while all in quiet rest

a# a g f f
Shrouded by the night
f g f f d d# d c a# c
And by the secret stair I quickly fled

a# a# a# g f f
The veil concealed my eyes
a# a# a# g f f d c a a#
while all within lay quiet as the dead

Refrão:
a a# a# C4 C4 D4
Oh night thou was my guide
a# a# a g f f a# a# a a#
of night more loving than the rising sun
a# a# g g f f d
Oh night that joined the lover
c c a# c d c
to the beloved one
a# a# g f f d c a a#
transforming each of them into the other

Última estrofe:
a# a# a# c c d
I lost myself to him
a# g f f d d# d c a a#
and laid my face upon my lover's breast
a# a# a# c c d
And care and grief grew dim
a# g f f d d# d c a a#
as in the morning's mist became the light

a# a# g f f d c a a#
There they dimmed amongst the lilies fair
a# a# g f f d c a a#
There they dimmed amongst the lilies fair
a# a# g f f d c a a#
There they dimmed amongst the lilies fair

2 Upon that misty night
in secrecy, beyond such mortal sight
Without a guide or light
than that which burned so deeply in my heart
That fire t'was led me on
and shone more bright than of the midday sun
To where he waited still
it was a place where no one else could come

3 Within my pounding heart
which kept itself entirely for him
He fell into his sleep
beneath the cedars all my love I gave
From o'er the fortress walls
the wind would his hair against his brow
And with its smoothest hand
caressed my every sense it would allow