The Moss

Cosmo Sheldrake's 'The Moss' is a whimsical journey through folklore, legends, and the natural world. The song opens with a series of natural phenomena presented as legends, such as moss growing on the north side of trees and worms surfacing during rain. These lines set the stage for a world where nature and myth intertwine, creating a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around us.

The song then transitions into a series of fantastical stories, including a rabbit in the moon, a cow hopping planets, and a woman who whistles up mountains. These tales are reminiscent of nursery rhymes and children's stories, evoking a sense of nostalgia and the timeless nature of folklore. The imagery is vivid and surreal, inviting listeners to suspend their disbelief and embrace the magic of these stories.

Throughout the song, Sheldrake emphasizes the importance of learning from these legends and the characters within them. The old woman who lived in a shoe, the girl who ate tear soup, and the man with brewer's droop all offer lessons, albeit in a whimsical and indirect manner. The repetition of these stories and their morals suggests that there is wisdom to be found in even the most fantastical tales. By blending natural observations with mythical narratives, 'The Moss' encourages listeners to find wonder in the world and to appreciate the stories that shape our understanding of it.