‘What is the secret of this tie that binds
Two souls in communion, both body and mind’
Today, as part of February’s overall love theme, Helen at This Thing Called Life One Word At A Time wants us to interpret the ‘deep abiding love’ of a settled relationship.
I must say, I found this to be the most challenging week so far. I could think of quite a few duetted songs that might cover it, but I only have a limited tolerance for saccharine. On the other hand, there are much better (in my opinion anyway) songs that deal with the topic, but from only one partner’s point of view.
So, what to do? If in doubt, look in the Grateful Dead songbook of course.
This song – written and performed by Pigpen – is neither schmaltzy nor ‘monocular’ (for want of a better word). Instead it views what is clearly a deep and loving relationship (‘two souls in communion’ after all) from the perspective of an outsider (the Stranger).
And since nobody but the two people directly involved can ever hope to understand all the unique inner dynamics of an abiding relationship, realistically that may be the only way for the rest of us to look at it.
What are they seeing when they look in each other’s eyes?
What are they feeling when they see each other’s smile?
Is it a love I’ve never known or an emotion that I’ve outgrown?
Did I take a wrong turnin’ on life’s winding road?
Won’t somebody help me find the right way to go?
My life needs some correction, alteration in direction
Won’t someone stand by me, in case I fall?
What is the secret of this tie that binds
Two souls in communion, both body and mind
Is it special magic or just the nature of things?
Conceived of great spirit, not for beggars but kings
You who have found it, please help me along
I’m a man, I’m a man, I’m not, I’m not made out of stone
My needs they are simple, I don’t want many things
But I surely want to fly on them wings of love one more time
That’s all I need
I wanna fly on them wings
I wanna fly on them wings of love
I’m a stranger in your town
Won’t somebody help me now
I wake up early in the morning
You know, you know, my pillow’s soaking wet
I just can’t seem to understand
All I want to do is take a little ride with you one more time
Songwriters
MCKERNAN, RONALD CHARLES
Published by
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Song Lyric Sunday
the only deadhead in the hameau 
I really enjoyed that and I liked the direction you went. Thanks so much for sharing and for taking part. 🙂
I look forward to this every week. Thanks so much for hosting.
I was discussing the soul with my wife over dinner the other evening. “Ah soul!” she exclaimed, obviously impressed with my profundity of spirit.
Bless.
One can only admire the economy and yet vivacity with which you paint your word-picture of High Table at Balliol.
What is the secret of this tie that binds
Two souls in communion, both body and mind
Is it special magic or just the nature of things?
Great question. I suppose the answer could be, both!
I think you’re right – but who’s arguing?
Yeah, same difference!