God is Alive, Magic is Afoot - Buffy Sainte-Marie Buffy Sainte-Marie's song "God is Alive, Magic is Afoot" is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that explores the themes of spirituality and the inherent magic of the universe. This song is a remarkable fusion of poetry, music, and spirituality that captivates the listener with its profound message. In the song, Sainte-Marie passionately expresses her belief in the existence of a higher power, proclaiming that "God is alive, magic is afoot." She rejects the notion that God is a distant, passive figure, emphasizing instead the vibrancy and active presence of the divine in the world. Through her lyrics, she conveys a sense of awe and wonder at the mysteries and miracles that surround us. The concept of magic is also central to the song.
This book is a marriage of Leonard Cohen's text and specially commissioned art from two renowned London artists/designers, Sarah Perkins and Ian Jackson.
Though laws were carved in marble They could not shelter men Though altars built in parliaments They could not order men Police arrested magic and magic went with them Mmmmm. This book is a marriage of Leonard Cohen s text and specially commissioned art from two renowned London artists designers, Sarah Perkins and Ian Jackson.
The concept of magic is also central to the song. Sainte-Marie suggests that magic is not merely an illusion or trickery but an inherent part of the world we live in. She invites us to open our eyes and perceive the beauty and enchantment that lie beneath the surface of our everyday lives.
from
Beautiful Losers
by
Leonard Cohen
I first encountered this passage in its musical setting, recorded extempore by Buffy Sainte-Marie. Its the reason I acquired and read the book. More about that below.
In the book, this is one long paragraph. Having remembered it as poetry for years, I have taken the liberty of imposing a line structure and some stanza separations. (These breaks are my own additions; I dont know how closely they match Buffy Sainte-Maries printed version.)
God is alive. Magic is afoot.
God is alive. Magic is afoot.
God is afoot. Magic is alive. Alive is afoot.
Magic never died.
God never sickened.
Many poor men lied. Many sick men lied.
Magic never weakened. Magic never hid. Magic always ruled.
God is afoot. God never died.
God was ruler though his funeral lengthened.
Though his mourners thickened Magic never fled.
Though his shrouds were hoisted the naked God did live.
Though his words were twisted the naked Magic thrived.
Though his death was published round and round the world the heart did not believe.
Many hurt men wondered. Many struck men bled.
Magic never faltered. Magic always led.
Many stones were rolled but God would not lie down.
Many wild men lied. Many fat men listened.
Though they offered stones Magic still was fed.
Though they locked their coffers God was always served.
Magic is afoot. God rules.
Alive is afoot. Alive is in command.
Many weak men hungered. Many strong men thrived.
Though they boasted solitude God was at their side.
Nor the dreamer in his cell, nor the captain on the hill.
Though his death was pardoned round and round the world the heart would not believe.
Though laws were carved in marble they could not shelter men.
Though altars built in parliaments they could not order men.
Police arrested Magic and Magic went with them for Magic loves the hungry.
But Magic would not tarry.
It moves from arm to arm.
It would not stay with them.
Magic is afoot. It cannot come to harm.
It rests in an empty palm.
It spawns in an empty mind.
But Magic is no instrument.
Magic is the end.
Many men drove Magic but Magic stayed behind.
Many strong men lied.
They only passed through Magic and out the other side.
Many weak men lied.
They came to God in secret and though they left him nourished they would not tell who healed.
Though mountains danced before them they said that God was dead.
Though his shrouds were hoisted the naked God did live.
This I mean to whisper to my mind.
This I mean to laugh with in my mind.
Many weak men hungered. Many strong men thrived.
According to her, magic can be found in nature, in love, and in our connections with others. "God is Alive, Magic is Afoot" showcases Sainte-Marie's poetic prowess and her ability to seamlessly fuse social and spiritual themes. She intertwines her spiritual beliefs with a broader social commentary, urging listeners to recognize the importance of love, compassion, and justice. The song serves as a reminder of the power of faith, the significance of human connections, and the potential for positive change. Overall, "God is Alive, Magic is Afoot" is a profound and evocative song that encourages listeners to embrace spirituality and explore the magic that surrounds them. It is a testament to Buffy Sainte-Marie's talent as a songwriter and her ability to provoke contemplation and inspire introspection..
Reviews for "The Transformative Power of Buffy Sainte-Marie's "God is Alive, Magic is Afoot"
1. John - 1 star
I was really disappointed with "God is alive magic is afoot" by Buffy Sainte-Marie. The song felt overly repetitive and lacked any real depth or substance. The lyrics were cryptic and difficult to decipher, and the music itself was bland and forgettable. I didn't connect with the message of the song at all, and overall, it just left me feeling confused and unsatisfied. I wouldn't recommend this song to anyone looking for a meaningful or enjoyable listening experience.
2. Emily - 2 stars
I listened to "God is alive magic is afoot" by Buffy Sainte-Marie, and I have to say, it didn't really resonate with me. The vocals were enough to make my ears cringe, and the melody was monotonous and repetitive. The lyrics seemed to be trying too hard to convey a deep message, but it just came across as pretentious and forced. I found myself losing interest and wanting to skip the song before it even finished. Overall, it was a forgettable and unenjoyable experience for me.
3. Sarah - 1 star
"God is alive magic is afoot" by Buffy Sainte-Marie was a complete disappointment. The song had a disjointed structure that made it difficult to follow, and the lyrics were vague and confusing. The melody failed to hook me in, and I found it incredibly boring and uninspiring. It felt like a missed opportunity to create something powerful and moving. I had high expectations for this song, but it fell short in every aspect. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on it.
4. Michael - 2 stars
I wasn't impressed with "God is alive magic is afoot" by Buffy Sainte-Marie. The song lacked cohesion and felt like a mishmash of different ideas that didn't come together cohesively. The vocals were inconsistent and didn't seem to match the overall tone of the song. The lyrics were cryptic and left me feeling disconnected from the message. Overall, it was a forgettable and underwhelming experience for me. I wouldn't go out of my way to listen to this song again.