Rock Poetry Line by Line

"Word on a Wing"

“Word on a Wing,” David Bowie,

Station to Station, 1976.

David Bowie wrote this masterpiece of blue-eyed

soul music in 1975, the lowest point, according to

Bowie, he had ever experienced in his life.  In “Word

on a Wing,” Bowie voices his faith, doubts, and beliefs,

his plea for salvation, his acknowledgement

that his behavior cannot be considered Godly, and

his solemn promise to God.

At the time of the writing, David Bowie began to wear

the silver crucifix which he wears to this day.

  

We all experience these low times when

we feel alone, helpless and hopeless.  We often

look to God for comfort.  Our minds mull over all

we know, all we hope, all we were taught, and all

we have come to accept and believe.  In our despair,

we put our troubles and fears in God’s hands, for

God offers comfort to us all, saint or sinner.

Let’s look at this soulful hymn/poem line by line.

I know we will find something within that hits home.

.

“Word on a Wing”

In this age of grand illusion
You walked into my life
out of my dreams
I don't need another change
Still you forced away
into my scheme of things

You say we're growing,
growing heart and soul
In this age of grand illusion
You walked into my life
out of my dreams
Sweet name, you're born once again for me
Sweet name, you're born once again for me
Oh sweet name, I call you again
You're born once again for me
Just because I believe don't mean I don't think as well
Don't have to question everything
in heaven or hell

[CHORUS]
Lord, I kneel and offer you
my word on a wing
And I'm trying hard to fit
among your scheme of things

It's safer than a strange land
But I still care for myself
And I don't stand in my own light
Lord, lord, my prayer flies
like a word on a wing

My prayer flies
like a word on a wing
Does my prayer fit in
with your scheme of things?

In this age of grand illusion
You walked into my life
out of my dreams
Sweet name, you're born once again for me
Just as long as I can see, I'll never stop this vision flowing
I look twice and you're still glowing
Just as long as I can walk
I'll walk beside you, I'm alive in you
Sweet name, you're born once again for me
And I'm ready to shape the scheme of things

In this age of grand illusion
You walked into my life
out of my dreams
I don't need another change
Still you forced away
into my scheme of things

.

“In this age of grand illusion” is meaningful and sets the tone.

 It refers to the times, the 'seventies, known sociologically as

“the ME generation.”  Many were self-centered, self-absorbed,