We Three Kings
Journey of Kings: Unveiling the Spiritual Odyssey in Sufjan Stevens' Melody
Lyrics
Two three four five six
Counting off the number of kings present.
We three kings of Orient are
Introduction of the three kings from the East (Orient).
Bearing gifts we travel so far
The kings are on a journey, bringing gifts from a distant place.
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Descriptive scenery encountered during the journey – field, fountain, moor, and mountain.
Following yonder star
They are following a guiding star.
Oh, star of wonder, star of might
The star is characterized as a source of wonder and power.
Star with royal beauty bright
Describing the star's beauty with royal attributes.
Westward leading, still proceeding
The kings continue their journey westward, guided by the star.
Guide us to thy perfect light
Asking the star to lead them to a perfect light, possibly a spiritual destination.
Glorious now behold Him arise
Shift to a scene where 'He' (presumably Jesus) is rising gloriously.
King and God and sacrifice
Describing Jesus as a king, God, and a sacrificial figure.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
A joyous exclamation, possibly sung in praise (Hallelujah).
Earth to heaven replies
Communication between Earth and heaven, responding to the glorious scene.
Oh, star of wonder, star of might
Reiteration of the star's attributes as a guide and a source of wonder.
Star with royal beauty bright
Reiterating the royal beauty of the guiding star.
Westward leading, still proceeding
Continuation of the kings' journey, still being led westward by the star.
Guide us to thy perfect light
Requesting the star to guide them to a perfect light, repeating the plea for guidance.
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