Walking Through My Theologies – Lyrics from Outcasts, Rebels, Hobos and Bards

Inspired by REM’s Losing My Religion. Re-imagined in what I think Tom Waits might have done, had he wrote this as a blues song.

(Verse 1)

In the quiet of the moonlight, where shadows dance on my soul,

A folk tale unfolds, a story untold, a melody taking control.

A journey through the heartache, a pilgrimage through the pain,

Like REM’s old refrain, I’m losing my religion, in this folkloric terrain.

(Chorus)

Oh, I thought that I saw love, in the whispers of the trees,

But now I’m losing my religion, as I walk on bended knees.

Through the fields of disillusion, where the old myths intertwine,

I’m searching for redemption, in the verses of time.

(Verse 2)

The river of memory, flowing with tears of the past,

A folk scholar’s quest, seeking truths that forever last.

Strumming the chords of folklore, where legends are reborn,

In the quiet echo of the night, where the mystical is sworn.

(Chorus)

Oh, I thought that I found solace, in the fables of the wind,

But now I’m losing my religion, in the tales that fate has pinned.

Through the pages of old ballads, where the troubadours align,

I’m seeking absolution, in the verses of time.

(Bridge)

On this journey through the ballads, in the forest of ancient song,

I’m losing my religion, where the troubadours belong.

With a mandolin’s caress, and a fiddle’s mournful cry,

I’m chasing down salvation, beneath the starry sky.

(Verse 3)

In the moonlit meadow, where the nightingales confess,

I hear the echoes of REM, a hymn of lost distress.

A folk scholar’s anthem, woven in the fabric of the night,

In the shadows of the verses, where the spirits take their flight.

(Chorus)

Oh, I thought that I grasped wisdom, in the verses of the wind,

But now I’m losing my religion, in the tales that time has thinned.

Through the ballads of yesteryear, where the bards enshrine,

I’m yearning for redemption, in the verses of time.

(Outro)

As the folk scholar wanders, through the tapestry of lore,

Losing my religion, in the songs forevermore.

In the silence of the moonlight, where the troubadours entwine,

I’ll find my absolution, in the verses of time.

Artist Statement: 

“Walking Through My Theologies” merges elements of folk and blues, paying homage to influences such as Michael Stipe and Tom Waits. The lyrics delve into themes of spiritual questioning, personal introspection, and the timeless allure of folklore, all set against a backdrop of melancholic instrumentation and vivid imagery.

Musical Structure and Arrangement:

The song adheres to a traditional verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-verse-chorus-outro structure, providing a familiar framework for the listener. Each section is marked by a distinct lyrical and melodic progression, contributing to the narrative arc of the song.

Verse 1 & Chorus:

The opening verse sets the scene with evocative imagery of moonlit landscapes and introspective musings. The narrator reflects on their journey through heartache and disillusionment, drawing parallels to REM’s iconic track “Losing My Religion.” This verse seamlessly transitions into the chorus, where the narrator laments the loss of faith and the search for redemption amidst the tangled narratives of folklore.

Verse 2 & Chorus:

The second verse continues the exploration of memory and myth, likening the narrator’s quest to that of a folk scholar unraveling ancient truths. The imagery of a river flowing with tears underscores the emotional weight of the journey. The chorus reinforces the theme of disillusionment, juxtaposing the allure of solace with the harsh realities of fate and time.

Bridge:

The bridge serves as a pivotal moment in the song, shifting the focus to the troubadours and their role in preserving and perpetuating folklore. The imagery of a mandolin’s caress and a fiddle’s mournful cry imbues the narrative with a sense of longing and yearning for salvation.

Verse 3 & Chorus:

The third verse returns to the moonlit landscape, where echoes of REM’s music serve as a haunting backdrop to the narrator’s reflections. The imagery of nightingales confessing and spirits taking flight adds a mystical dimension to the song. The final chorus echoes the sentiment of the earlier choruses, with the narrator grappling with the elusive nature of wisdom and redemption.

Outro:

The outro provides a sense of closure to the song, with the folk scholar continuing their wanderings through the tapestry of lore. The repetition of the phrase “in the verses of time” underscores the cyclical nature of the narrator’s journey, suggesting that answers may ultimately be found within the passage of time itself.

Musical Interpretation:

The musical arrangement of “Walking Through My Theologies” is likely characterized by a slow tempo, sparse instrumentation, and soulful vocals reminiscent of Tom Waits’ signature style. The use of acoustic guitar, mandolin, and fiddle would evoke a rustic, Americana feel, while subtle embellishments such as reverb and tremolo would enhance the atmospheric quality of the song.