I am a big fan of Devin Townsend because of the versatility in his voice, his themes, his music – as well as his inventiveness, and his trueness to himself (hence his versatility- even if that means disappointing some people who might prefer a certain work). He strikes me as someone really in touch with his vision, and with the knowledge, skills and talent to make it happen – so jealous. He is prolific and his output always innovative and exciting. I recently saw him play at the Royal Albert Hall. He has incredible showmanship and presence on stage. I can’t wait to see him again.
Also, he is a fan of soft toy animals (his favourite is an octopus) and at one of his concerts, had a bazooka firing cuddly toys into the crowd. Amazing.
His ‘Empath’ album is, in my opinion, a masterpiece.
This song was the first I heard from the album. I like to imagine the voices representing two parts of the self, having words with each other. I would like to imagine the voices applying between everyone – those who are leading and those who are growing – with these words of hope representing humanity’s ability to overcome anything we need to, for the good of our health and wellbeing, as well as that of the planet’s. That is sometimes difficult these days. There’s nothing more inspiring that when people come together for a common cause, but what should be the common cause seems to be lost within systems that are failing and traumas that are unacknowledged, let along unhealed.
This album is full of hope within an acknowledgement of pain. So I like to listen to it a lot these days. I take comfort in starting with an internal dialogue with the aim of expanding outwards from there – in faith that that will be the natural progression of things.
Lyrics – Spirits Will Collide
Devin Townsend
So they say
You’ll be ok
But words are not enough
Nobody remembered me
The words were not enough
Calm yourself down
Don’t you remember when we were young?
Don’t you remember who I am?
You’re strong enough
Dues to pay
Towards the way
Towards my friend, towards
Two must play
The foolish game
To war my friend, to war
So they rise, the fear and pain, but this isn’t how I am
Don’t you forget that you are loved
Don’t you forget that you are them
It’s hard enough
Remember the flame in your heart burns strong
Remember and the spirit will collide
Remember, together
Remember in the end that death is not the end
So we rise
Receive the pain, but this isn’t where this ends
Don’t you forget that you are perfect
Don’t you forget just who we are
We’re strong enough
Wherever the flame in your heart burns strong
We may not be brave so let’s start
Remember and the spirits will collide
Remember, together
Remember, together
