Todd Rundgren

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Pretty bird with feathers falling
Pretty as a lady calling
For her pink and midnight lover
As she stares into the water
And a yellow moon is rising
And there can't be no disguising
That the pretty bird is dying
With a silver arrow lying at its side

[Bridge 1]
Rivers of blood, oceans of tears
Life without death and death without reason

[Verse 2]
To the whole United Nations
To your greatest expectations
To the moment that you realize
As a dark figure slips from out of the shadows

[Chorus]
Pretty bird closes its eyes
Pretty bird dies
Another pretty thing dead
On the end of the shaft
Of the Zen Archer
[Verse 3]
A man in parts forgotten
With an outlook that is rotten
And an attitude to match it
Finds relief inside a hatchet
And he halved someone in Boulder
Justifiability is in
The hands of the beholder
And you just don't know
What people will do next

[Bridge 2]
Mountains of pain, valleys of love
Death without life and life without meaning

[Verse 4]
To the promise kept and broken
To the love that's never spoken
Just as surely as I'm in your ears
A dark figure slips from out of the shadows

[Chorus]
Pretty bird closes its eyes
Pretty bird dies
Another pretty thing dead
On the end of the shaft
Of the Zen ArcherEmbed

In a world of pop music that often leans towards the lighthearted and the catchy, Todd Rundgren's "Zen Archer" stands out as a whimsical and menacing creation. This captivating track, featured on Rundgren's 1973 masterpiece album "A Wizard, A True Star," takes listeners on a journey into the dark and mysterious side of Rundgren's musical genius. With its cryptic lyrics and seductive melodies, "Zen Archer" unveils a tale of a shadowy figure, lurking in the corners of existence, indiscriminately extinguishing all that is beautiful with calculated precision and an air of indifference.

About Zen Archer

From the moment the haunting chords of "Zen Archer" fill the air, listeners are transported into a world of enigma and intrigue. Rundgren, known for his versatility as a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, showcases his creative brilliance in this track that perfectly captures the essence of his 1973 opus, "A Wizard, A True Star."

As the track unfolds, Rundgren's rich and textured vocals guide us through a labyrinth of dark imagery. The character of the Zen Archer emerges as a powerful symbol of destruction and chaos, existing on the fringes of society. With each poetic verse, Rundgren weaves a tapestry of emotions, indulging in the idea of the enigmatic archer, who ruthlessly and effortlessly annihilates everything that is beautiful and pure.

The hypnotic and otherworldly instrumentation of "Zen Archer" further enhances the song's eerie atmosphere. Rundgren's mastery as a producer shines through, blending psychedelic elements with rock sensibilities to create a sonic landscape that is both captivating and unsettling. The combination of ethereal synth textures, pulsating drums, and intricate guitar work creates a musical backdrop that mirrors the unpredictability and darkness of the Zen Archer's actions.

Lyrically, Rundgren delves deep into the profound themes of humanity's destructive nature and the inevitability of chaos. The poetic and often enigmatic lyrics heighten the sense of mystery surrounding the Zen Archer's identity and motives. Lines such as "I'm an unearthly carpenter, I'm a cosmic crook," and "Preying like a mantis who can never be appeased" further emphasize the menacing aura of this enigmatic character.

Despite the darkness that pervades "Zen Archer," Rundgren's artistic genius shines through with bursts of melodic beauty. Through the juxtaposition of haunting verses and soaring choruses, Rundgren infuses the song with moments of respite, leaving the listener yearning for fleeting moments of tranquility that are ruthlessly snatched away.

The song's structure and arrangement demonstrate Rundgren's imaginative approach to composition. Constantly evolving and shifting, "Zen Archer" embraces complex song structures and unconventional time signatures, reflecting the ever-changing nature of the character it portrays. The seamless transitions between ethereal verses, explosive choruses, and captivating instrumental sections mirror the Zen Archer's unpredictable nature, keeping the listener on the edge of their seat throughout the song's duration.

Rundgren's remarkable vocal performance on "Zen Archer" adds an additional layer of depth to the song. His ability to convey raw emotions through his rich and textured voice allows the listener to fully immerse themselves in the narrative of the Zen Archer. From the seductive whispers in the verses to the powerful and emotive delivery of the choruses, Rundgren's vocals serve as a conduit for the song's dark and enigmatic energy.

Decades after its release, "Zen Archer" continues to captivate listeners with its timeless and thought-provoking nature. Its ability to balance darkness and beauty, mystery and clarity, showcases Todd Rundgren's status as a musical visionary. "Zen Archer" stands as a testament to his unique ability to craft songs that not only engage the listener's intellect but also resonate deeply within their soul.

In a world filled with predictable and formulaic music, Todd Rundgren's "Zen Archer" remains a beacon of creativity and artistic exploration. This profound and haunting track serves as a reminder of the power of music to delve into the depths of human existence, unraveling hidden truths and evoking intense emotions. A true masterpiece from a musical genius, "Zen Archer" continues to mesmerize and intrigue listeners, inviting them to embrace the darkness and embark on a journey of self-discovery.

• Release Date: March 2, 1973
• Artist: Todd Rundgren