Cloisters and Cages XVIII

**"Cloisters and Cages"** ### Song Structure #### Intro - **Instrumentation:** [[Gregorian monks] chanting, A gentle, reflective melody - **Atmosphere:** Sets a contemplative and serene mood] #### Verse 1 - **Lyrics:** ``` Why don’t I bang my head on the cage That keeps me secure and tight? It’s not really keeping me in, you see It lets in the darkness and the light ``` - **Instrumentation:** [Continuation of the gregorian monks chanting, introduction of a soft string section] #### Verse 2 - **Lyrics:** ``` My body resembles the captive cage But it ceases to contain my spirit You can rattle it all that you want But I’ll be unable to hear it ``` - **Instrumentation:** [Addition of subtle acoustic guitar, maintaining soft strings] #### Chorus - **Lyrics:** ``` For my mind will have drifted to prayer My hands will have rested together I’ll have reflected on Beatitudes And touched on the heavenly tether ``` - **Instrumentation:** [Choir background, fuller orchestration with a rise in dynamics] #### Verse 3 - **Lyrics:** ``` Guiding me into spaces far beyond This place and our physical forms And all our earthly possessions And all the societal norms ``` - **Instrumentation:** [Scale back to gregorian monks chanting and guitar, maintaining an intimate feel] #### Verse 4 - **Lyrics:** ``` So, I’ll live in my quiet and whispers Along with my sisters in habit Escaping to my prayerful connection Always honoring the sabbath ``` - **Instrumentation:** [Introduction of a soft harp, continuing the guitar and strings]