I first heard Watermark, Enya’s remarkable second album and still her best, when I was a sophomore in college. I remember where I was when I first heard it. It wasn’t new age elevator music. Not to me. It moved me. It still does.
It’s not a coincidence that I titled my second novel The Watermark. Nor was it a coincidence that I titled one of my early, unpublished novels Exile.
As I continue to go through my favorite 100 songs (and really, I could put 500 in this ever-changing list), I’m putting “Exile” off Watermark as another one of those songs. These are songs that moved me in the moment and that I go back to time and time again.
These songs do pertain to my writing. Sometime in the future, you’ll understand why.
“Exile” by Enya:
Cold as the northern winds
in December mornings,
Cold is the cry that rings
from this far distant shore.
Winter has come too late
too close beside me.
How can I chase away
all these fears deep inside?
in December mornings,
Cold is the cry that rings
from this far distant shore.
Winter has come too late
too close beside me.
How can I chase away
all these fears deep inside?
Chorus:
I’ll wait the signs to come.
I’ll find a way
I will wait the time to come.
I’ll find a way home.
My light shall be the moon
and my path – the ocean.
My guide the morning star
as I sail home to you.
Chorus
Who then can warm my soul?
Who can quell my passion?
Out of these dreams – a boat
I will sail home to you.