the deepening ground

Rather than draw from one of the Greek myths for this song, I went to the Roman story of Cygnus, Phaethon, and Helios. (Read a short summary HERE) The contrast between Phaethon and Cygnus immediately struck me, and I saw in Phaethon both Adam in the Garden of Eden and humanity in general, dazzled by the sparkling promises of modernity. In every situation, an exchange takes place driven by doubt and a need to “prove myself.” God doesn’t really love you and want what’s best for you. You aren’t really a son of God, and surely you know better than him anyway. You can be God! You can do it better by yourself. Get rid of those antiquated ways of thinking. Embrace the city of blinding lights!

In Cygnus, then, who is a type of Christ, we find restoration and a constant reminder in the firmament of unconditional love and steady devotion that we so freely exchange for lesser things. In these summer months, Cygnus spreads its wings over the horizon in the recognizable asterism of the Northern Cross. For our foolish exchange, one dove into the river of our mess, took up our flesh, and restored the relationship we severed with our foolish choice. And rather than end on the disaster of Phaethon’s fall, the song ends with restoration as we are “[led] out as sons and daughters again.”

---

Cygnus

Vincent H. Anastasi - 2023

I was a fool — traded confidence for doubt
I had to prove myself with the fruit that ruined Faust
But now every promise has left a bitter taste in my mouth
I’m lost and I’m broken

I was a fool, ignoring every warning wise
I had to prove myself with father's chariot of fire
But I couldn’t handle the wild horses of desire
I’m lost and I’m broken

Come and dive into the river,
gather up these shattered bones
Put the pieces back together again
Come and raise the Northern Cross;
claim this wreckage as your own
Lead us out as sons and daughters again

(Instrumental Verse)

I was a fool — seduced by artificial sights
I had to prove myself in the forests of the night
Now I have neglected the endless source of living light
I’m lost and I’m broken

Chorus (2x)

---

Don’t forget you can stream my most popular songs from 1996-2012 on Spotify, YouTube, and all the other popular online music platforms!