The restraint in this song reminds me a bit of Earthlings. It never explodes, just simmers in this place of expectation. The last few minutes are beautiful, like a slow, melancholy sunset. Perfect homage to your father, Rich.
What's beautiful to me is how the whole album varies through so many different emotions - from pain, to anger, to sorrow, to disbelief, and so on - and then the final song is just finally this...acceptance of an ending. It hits a personal note for me as well as it reminds me so vividly of my grandmother who passed three years ago, and I think that makes the song itself so much richer. Absolutely stellar album, guys.
Before Fauna was launched, I listened to Red Giant at any time possible, it became the most repeated song on my Spotify last year. Now, Eyes of Ebony will surely be the next most repeated song on my Spotify.
Probably my favorite from the album (even if it's hard to pick one), a gorgeous piece. It's true that I was waiting for a huge climax breakdown at the end of it, but past that first impression I'm getting used to that softer ending, and it soothes the soul after all these emotions through the album ❤
Its rare that the last track on a record ends up being my favorite. But by doing so, it makes the record a very rewarding experience as it builds up to Elephants and then Eyes. Amazing songs all around but the way you backloaded the record with the strongest material really made this special.
I heard Eyes of Ebony when the album first came out, and what an ending. It hits very closer to home, specific references for Rich's father (RIP). Generally speaking, the lyrics still invoke that fondness of a father and the acceptance of death, sudden and unexpected. My father died on my first visit since him going into hospital from a stroke and a silent heart attack, and during the 3 hours I was there, he passed. I was holding him in my arms during a routine blood test. he hated needles and started panicking slightly but was weak and a bit delirious. he started ripping his tubes out his nose and mouth simply saying "I don't want a fuss". I feel he knew he was dying and just wanted to stop fighting it. Unbeknownst to us at that time, his cancer had also come back. He'd fought cancer for a year prior undergoing surgery and chemo, and it went into remission. This song as I listened to the lyrics, just told the story of my father to me, and my experience of dealing with his death for the past 7 years. I hadn't really thought about it fully, come to terms with my feelings and what Dad meant to me, and the legacy, his "footprints in the sand", and how he "gave me the power to dream". It sounds corny but this song prompted me to get bereavement therapy, 7 years later. It really has helped. When i heard Eyes of Ebony, the lyrics are so beautifully picked, not just for Rich's father only, but what a talent to be able to write lyrics that cna still be interpretted and relatable for those who have lost someone. I really see my father as a primordial giant, and I hope he went to Valhalla. He raged against the blacklight of his cancer, standing tall through the roar.Ultimately, with the cancer returning, he was fighting for his life in the heat of the flame, as the dying embers turned to ash. As a deathly silence cracked the air when we got to see Dad in the hospital after he passed so we could have a proper goodbye, I stared into the eyes of ebony. But the eyes of ebony stare no more. But for dad, the ash clouds have blown away. A beautiful song. Thank you Haken. Sincerely.
I just listened to this again and noticed all the hints towards Richards solo album, as well as his cover of John Renbourn's The Hermit. God, this is such a great song.
I've been listening this one every single night since the release. The evocation of feelings, the depth imbued in it is on another level. Beautifully written and right to the heart. Incredible job, guys.
Saw you yesterday here in argentina and it was one of the best live performances I ever watched. I missed this song, because it's my favourite of the album. I hope to hear it some day because it's been running through my head for a long while.
Such a beautiful song, amazing how it can retain its melancholic impact despite working far outside of the typical "ballad" archetype. Stellar work guys, truly didn't expect a song like this 👏 Edit: I just found out yesterday that my own dad has motor neuron disease. My god, this song seems so eerily prophetic now. Listened again today and it hits that much harder. I can only hope my dad will find a similar strength to what is depicted in the track, as my immediate family embark on this devastating new journey.
Are we done with these? Everytime you put out one of these track stories, I end up listening to the whole album again. I'm not complaining, though 😅 (One of my favcourites on the album with quite a beautifully serene mood to it...)
It's featured on the club's badge and it's also sung in the most famous of their supporter's chants. (edit: talking about the "you'll never walk alone" thing that was already mentioned here)
