The Blessing

Two Main Versions:

* "Pulsing Keyboard Version" (1982) - Apparition (3:10), Traumstadt I (3:10), Traumstadt I CD (8:09 - 11:23)

All mixes fade in from "Spontaneous Human Combustion." The first section uses the "pulsing keyboard" sound which is the structure of so many early songs, then fades into a chant, then a very slow and atmospheric "reprise." All mixes cut off suddenly after a brief burst of building delay feedback.

Instruments: Pulsing keyboard for melody and rhythm, synth chords, two vocal tracks (with occasional delay feedback), Latin chant (with vocoded version in other speaker), slow electric guitar (with short delay), windy synth white noise.

* "Pink Box Version" (1991) - Legendary Pink Box (4:00) unavailable elsewhere

Starts abruptly, and not much different from the original in tone. Lyrically, he "craves attention" instead of "shows affection," and you are instructed to "take it proud" instead of "take it loud." The first section is based around the tremolo organ synth, which -- after a reverb-drenched "Smash the wall!" turns into a quiet collage of keyboard tinkles and backwards guitar. The Latin chant is not used.

Instruments: Bass synth, tremolo organ synth for rhythm, single, single vocal track, backwards electric guitar, tinkling keyboard sounds,

What It's About:

The listener is told to enjoy the sexual attentions of a disturbing god/demon creature, and to view it as a form of "blessing."

Lyrics (adapted from the Cloud Zero Archive):

Don't worry dear, he likes you
it's the way he shows affection.
And don't you think those rolling eyes are cute?

He dances well you must admit
the power of those hands!
Touching here. Touching there.
Touching places you don't know yourself.

Lie back, enjoy it!
Its a clean thing, a holy blessing.
A holy blessing!

Feel the spirit burning deep inside
sliding in and out, in and out.
Take it willing, take it loud,
smash the walls of Jericho!

Smash the walls of Jericho!

Smash the wall, smash the wall...

(noctem quietam et finem perfectum concedat nobis dominus omnipotens, Amen...)