Where We Will Be Going

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Where We Will Be Going by Chris de Burgh , reviewed by Jason L Morgan
Album: Power Of Ten

Chris de Burgh's POWER OF TEN is a return to classic form in many ways. This is quite apparent in the albums first track "Where We Will Be Going." reviewed here

Geoff Richardson's Viola adds a sweeping, emotionally moving aspect to the song's musical beginning. The song then takes off on an emotional high with Chris singing...

"I've got every reason to be high,
I've got a place in the heaven beyond,
I've got dreams to live and I have love to give,
And I know it in my heart and soul,
Where we will be going;"

Fans of Chris de Burgh's music are well aware of his beliefs in the afterlife, and the constant struggle of good vs. evil. Songs such as "Spanish Train," "The Devil's Eye" and "Brother John" reflect this. However this song focuses more on the joy of knowing that death isn't the end.

"Well I lay me down to the northern sky,
I wake up with the light of the sun,
And that savage beast will surely die,
In that Bethlehem far below,
Where we will be going;"

Chris doesn't try to hide the fact that he in his heart is a Christian. He does take a unique view of his beliefs though. Refer to SPANISH TRAIN AND OTHER STORIES songs "A Spaceman Came Traveling" and "Just Another Poor Boy."
The reference in the lyrics to the savage beast is death and the irony of the beast's death with the coming of Christ is powerful.

"Oh. . . I've got the Gold and I've got the Silver,
Oh. . .and I've got a place to call my own,"

The Gold and Silver here are not earthly wealth, but rather the riches of knowing what lies ahead.

"It's a way of living forever,
It's a way of living the dream,
It's a way of living the whole life,
Come down to the river,
Come down to the sea;"

The chorus rejoices in this freedom of knowing the truth. The last two lines invite everyone to be a part of that knowledge.

"I remember footsteps on the moon,
after Dallas darkened days,
When the whole world seemed to stop and look,
And they asked themselves every day,
Where are we going?"

John F. Kennedy in a historic speech announced that it was the goal of America to put a man on the moon. He never got to see this dream fulfilled as the "Dallas darkened days" of his assassination indicate. However, the whole world did stop and watch as man made those footsteps on the moon. (see also "The Spirit Of Man" from INTO THE LIGHT) Such and occasion did call for a world wide introspection of "Where are we going?"

"But the Bowman turned and carried on,
Hal prepared for childhood's end,
And it came out of dark and wintry skies,
On a terrible December night,
In New York City;"

"Oh. . .hey John! Are you out there listening,
Oh. . .way across the universe?"

The reference to the "Bowman" is unclear. It could be a general reference to war and hate. Also the reference to "Hal" is somewhat obscure. Possibilities include the computer "Hal" from 2001: A Space Odyssey. The next historical reference is to the death of John Lennon. John--an advocate for peace--was shot and killed one December night in New York City. Chris asks the question if John can still hear the songs speeches of peace that still go on after his death.

The chorus is again included followed by Chris sing in a joyful manner,

"Oh ay oh. . ." (three times)

"Come down to the river,
Come down to the sea;"

The song then concludes as it begins--with Chris restating how the knowledge of where we be going is a reason to rejoice. . .

"I've got every reason to be high,
I've got a place in the heaven beyond,
I've got dreams to live and I have love to give,
And I know it in my heart and soul,
Where we will be going,
Where we will be going,
Where we will be going. . ."

Jason L. Morgan

Nov. 13, 1996