Music and lyrics: M.L. Hammond

This song began as some lyric ideas about two years after my sister died, but at the time I didn’t have the heart to complete it, and filed it away so well I forgot about it. When I found the file ten years later, I was surprised when I got to the last part—I hadn’t remembered where the story was going. I think I must have been influenced by Wim Wenders’ beautiful film, Wings of Desire.

So now I know the truth
it’s almost like they said it would be
and though at times I only half believed,
the Great One still decided to deliver me

It’s very peaceful here
no war, no drama, no hint of strife
and that’s so great, and yet I can’t help thinking
this place really doesn’t have much life

Oh how I miss the world
I miss the senses and emotion
the pulse of blood and sun on skin
wild laughter and the green, green ocean
I miss wine and pomegranates
their ruby seeds bursting in your mouth
I miss poetry and city lights
dappled fawns and swallows’ flights
and spring winds with their promise of the south

Oh how I miss the world
perhaps because I had no thought of leaving
mine was, I know, an ordinary life
but still I’d say I had more joy than grieving

and then one late and rainy night
a sudden curve, a blinding light
a roaring sound and falling fast
then all my present turned to past

The great one sits sublime upon his throne
the seraphim surround him in that pearly light
their singing is, well, heavenly and sweet
but you could never dance to it
it doesn’t have a beat

Oh how I miss the world
I miss the senses and emotion
the pulse of blood, and sun on skin
wild horses and the green, green ocean
I miss wine and pomegranates
their ruby seeds bursting in your mouth
I miss Beatles songs and fiddle tunes
and flirting under full moons
and spring winds with their promise of the south

So now I’m going to return
I’ve put in for a tour of guardian duty
they say that’s common with the ones like me
who came here without warning unexpectedly
and still hunger for the earth and all her beauty

Of course it will be different
I will not taste or touch or feel
but I’ll watch over others as they do
and though it’s not ideal
it may just get me through

So now I’m standing on the edge of in between,
my brand-new wings unfurled
I’m waiting for the word and my instructions
I’m waiting for my new map of the world
oh how I miss the world