Marrakesh Night Market

Loreena McKennitt's 'Marrakesh Night Market' transports listeners to an enchanting and mystical setting, rich with cultural and spiritual symbolism. The song paints a vivid picture of a bustling night market in Marrakesh, where the air is filled with the sounds of drumming poets and the scent of swirling smoke. The crescent moon hanging in the sky adds to the ethereal atmosphere, creating a sense of timelessness and wonder. McKennitt's lyrics invite us to immerse ourselves in this world, where stories are woven, fortunes are told, and faith is conjured amidst the vibrant market scene.

A recurring motif in the song is the man in the shadowing hood, who offers a mask and a mirror. This figure represents a choice between different forms of reflection and self-perception. The mask symbolizes the personas we adopt and the facades we present to the world, while the mirror represents self-awareness and introspection. The man’s offer to look at oneself, each other, or the face of one's god suggests a deeper exploration of identity, relationships, and spirituality. This choice highlights the market as a place of both external commerce and internal discovery.

The song also touches on the theme of knowledge and wisdom, with references to lessons written on parchments and carried from the river Nile. This imagery evokes the rich history of learning and the transmission of ancient wisdom. The presence of the cobra, casting a smile in the firelight, adds an element of danger and allure, symbolizing the dual nature of knowledge as both enlightening and potentially perilous. Through its evocative lyrics and haunting melody, 'Marrakesh Night Market' invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys of self-discovery and the mysteries of the world around them.