Heaven Knows (The Angel Has Flown)

Orange and Lemons' song 'Heaven Knows (The Angel Has Flown)' is a poignant exploration of heartbreak and regret. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with the emotional aftermath of a lost love. The imagery of lying in bed, hugging a pillow, and crying evokes a deep sense of loneliness and sorrow. The metaphor of eyes being like windshields on a rainy day, almost rubbed down and swollen, further emphasizes the depth of the protagonist's despair. The repeated phrase 'Heaven knows how bitter I am' underscores the bitterness and helplessness felt in the wake of the angel's departure.

The chorus reveals the crux of the protagonist's anguish: the angel, a metaphor for the loved one, has flown away, leaving the protagonist in a state of 'drunken misery.' The regret is palpable as the protagonist wishes they had 'clipped her wings and made her mine for all eternity,' indicating a desire to have kept the loved one close, even if it meant restricting their freedom. This internal conflict between love and the need to let go is a central theme, as the protagonist acknowledges that their actions were driven by love, yet they are left questioning if the angel will ever return.

The second verse delves into the protagonist's exhaustion and attempts to escape the pain through sleep and cigarettes. The phrase 'catching forty winks' and the description of being in a trance where 'hopes and dreams come true' suggest a longing for respite from the emotional turmoil. However, the burning lips and hurting eyes symbolize the ongoing pain and the futile attempts to numb it. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the cyclical nature of the protagonist's grief and the lingering hope for reconciliation, despite the overwhelming bitterness.