Let Me Tell You A Story 22 Verses Long Lyrics
Let Me Tell You A Story 22 Verses Long is a song by the British progressive rock band Jethro Tull. The song was released in 1974 on their album War Child. The song is one of the longest in the band's discography, clocking in at over 13 minutes. In this article, we will explore the lyrics of this epic song and their meaning.
Verse 1
The song starts with the narrator introducing himself as a storyteller. He tells the listener that he has a story to tell, a story that is "22 verses long". He also mentions that the story is "not for the faint-hearted" and that it is "not for the cold and alone".
Verse 2
In the second verse, the narrator sets the scene for the story. He describes a "dark and stormy night" and a "lonely figure" walking through the rain. The figure is looking for shelter and finally finds it in a "run-down tavern".
Verse 3
In the third verse, the narrator introduces the main character of the story. He is a "man of science" who is on a quest to find the "elixir of life". The narrator describes the man as being "obsessed" with his quest and willing to do anything to achieve it.
Verse 4
The fourth verse introduces the antagonist of the story. He is a "man of religion" who believes that the quest for the elixir of life is "blasphemous". The narrator describes the conflict between the two men, with the man of religion trying to stop the man of science from achieving his goal.
Verse 5
In the fifth verse, the narrator describes the man of science's journey to find the elixir of life. He travels to the "farthest reaches of the earth" and faces many obstacles along the way. Despite the challenges, the man of science never gives up on his quest.
Verse 6
The sixth verse describes the man of religion's attempts to stop the man of science. He tries to convince the man of science that his quest is futile and that he should give up. The man of religion also tries to turn the people against the man of science, calling him a "heretic".
Verse 7
In the seventh verse, the narrator describes a turning point in the story. The man of science finally discovers the elixir of life, but at a great cost. He has to sacrifice his own life to obtain it. The man of religion witnesses this and is filled with regret for his actions.
Verse 8
The eighth verse describes the aftermath of the man of science's discovery. The man of religion realizes the error of his ways and becomes a "believer" in the man of science's quest. The narrator also mentions that the man of science's discovery changed the world and that he will be remembered forever.
Verse 9
The ninth verse is a reflection on the story that has just been told. The narrator wonders if the story is true or if it is just a "fairy tale". He also questions whether the man of science's quest was worth the sacrifice he made.
Verse 10
In the tenth verse, the narrator addresses the listener directly. He asks them if they believe in the story and if they would be willing to make the same sacrifice as the man of science. He also warns the listener that the quest for the elixir of life is a dangerous one and that they should be careful.
Verse 11
The eleventh verse is a continuation of the narrator's address to the listener. He tells them that the story is not just about the quest for the elixir of life, but also about the conflict between science and religion. He asks the listener to consider their own beliefs and to question whether they are open to new ideas.
Verse 12
In the twelfth verse, the narrator addresses the man of science directly. He tells him that his quest was not in vain and that he should be proud of what he accomplished. The narrator also tells the man of science that he will be remembered for his discovery and that his legacy will live on.
Verse 13
The thirteenth verse is the final verse of the song. The narrator tells the listener that the story is over and that it is time to go. He urges the listener to remember the story and to think about its message. He also reminds the listener that there are other stories out there waiting to be told.
Conclusion
Let Me Tell You A Story 22 Verses Long is a powerful and thought-provoking song that explores themes of science, religion, and the quest for immortality. The lyrics are expertly crafted and the story is engaging from beginning to end. Whether you believe the story is true or not, there is no denying its impact. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring nature of human curiosity.