The Harrowing
Green Lung
A Mystical Gathering: The Harrowing Ritual
Green Lung's song "The Harrowing" invites listeners to a mysterious and possibly ancient ritual set against the backdrop of nature's changing seasons. The repeated call to "come up to the hill for the harrowing" suggests a gathering or ceremony that takes place in a secluded, perhaps sacred, location. The imagery of leaves beginning to fall and the night descending evokes a sense of transition, both in the natural world and possibly in the lives of those participating in the ritual.
The term "harrowing" itself is rich with meaning. Traditionally, harrowing refers to an agricultural process of breaking up soil, which could symbolize preparation and transformation. In a more metaphorical sense, it might suggest a spiritual or emotional upheaval, a time to confront and cleanse one's inner self. The setting "in the middle of the moor" adds an element of isolation and mysticism, as moors are often associated with folklore and the supernatural.
Green Lung, known for their blend of heavy rock and themes of folklore and the occult, uses these lyrics to create a vivid, atmospheric scene. The invitation to "open up the ground" could imply a deeper connection to the earth, a return to primal roots, or even a metaphorical opening of one's soul to new experiences or truths. The song captures the essence of a communal experience, where participants are drawn together by the cycles of nature and the promise of transformation.