The Cave

Hi Casey, 

I know you're not taking song requests on earth right now, but regardless, I'd like to dedicate this post/song to my friends.  Which friends?  Well, to to the friend whose father is virtually disowning her and her family because she has a different view of the definition of "prophet", this is for you.  To the ones who were announced via Stake President over multiple pulpits to have been excommunicated (for kneeling during the sacrament) when they actually have not been cast out, this is for you.  To the ones who's casting off began a long while ago when the sister wore pants to her church just outside the Mormon Corridor, this is for you.  To the ones who are not permitted to speak in Sunday School because talking about Jesus was too "radical", this song's for you.  To the ones conflicted about their Church "closets" and where they stand for fear of losing your employment and support for your family, this is for you.  To those of you who decided to follow Joseph, Emma, and countless early saints' example by receiving rebaptism in living water for renewal of your commitment to God, healing, or cleansing (and then got cut off for it), this is for you too.  To those who are learning how to walk a razor thin line of acceptance vs ostracism, and following the voice of the Lord over and despite all, this post is for you.  And lastly, to those who are observing it all and still trying to make sense of how people can do all this and call themselves Mormon, this is lovingly for you too.  All of you. 

I thought I'd share the second song on Sigh No More, called "The Cave".  I love it when CDs actually include the lyrics in the insert, and this one does.

I think my favorite part (visually) is at 1:15.  Wait for it...

Here are the lyrics, which I am grateful to say are good to read.  Previously when I'd heard this song I misinterpreted them (I thought he said "will let you choke" rather than "won't let you choke"), and it gave a totally different meaning to the song.  Now that I have read the lyrics, I'd say it speaks well to the strivings of the day.  I've added lots of link-ups for context on how it speaks to me, although even the link-ups don't quite speak accurately – just close.  You can decide if it works for you.  Probably not with Mumford was intending, but most songs can often morph into what we want them to be.  So I'm taking a moment for some cathartic release on behalf of my friends.

It's empty in the valley of your heart

The sun it rises slowly as you walk 

Away from all the fears and all the 

faults you've left behind 

The harvest left no food for you to eat

You cannibal, you meat-eater you see

But I have seen the same I know the

shame in your defeat

But I will hold on hope

And I won't let you choke

On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain

And I will change my ways

I'll know my name as it's called again

'Cause I have other things to fill my time

You take what is yours and I'll take mine

Now let me at the truth which will refresh my broken mind

So tie me to a post and block my ears

I can see widows and orphans through my tears

And know my call despite my faults and despite my growing fears

But I will hold on hope

And I won't let you choke

On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain 

And I will change my ways

I'll know my name as it's called again

So come out of your cave walking on your hands

And see the world hanging upside down

You can understand dependence when you know the maker's land

So make your siren's call

And sing all you want

I will not hear what you have to say

'Cause I need freedom now

And I need to know how

To live my life as it's meant to be

And I will hold on hope 

And I won't let you choke 

On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain

And I will change my ways

I'll know my name as it's called again 

I think I could come up with a million variables on each line.  Either way, it speaks.