The Meaning Behind The Song: Secret Journey by The Police

Introduction:

I first heard the song “Secret Journey” by The Police on a rainy afternoon while I was browsing through my friend’s impressive vinyl collection. As the needle dropped onto the record, I was instantly captivated by the haunting melody and thought-provoking lyrics. This song, tucked away on their 1981 album “Ghost in the Machine,” holds a deeper meaning that resonates with many listeners.

Table of Contents

The Lyrics:

The lyrics of “Secret Journey” paint a picture of a profound and mystical journey toward enlightenment. Sting, the masterful songwriter behind The Police, intertwines powerful imagery to convey his message.

[Verse 1] Upon a secret journey
I met a holy man
His blindness was his wisdom
I’m such a lonely man

In these opening lines, Sting introduces the protagonist and their encounter with a wise, blind man. The blindness serves as a metaphor for the man’s deep understanding and insight. Meanwhile, the main character expresses their own feelings of loneliness and searching for something more.

[Verse 2] And as the world was turning
It rolled itself in pain
This does not seem to touch you
He pointed to the rain

In the second verse, Sting explores the pain and suffering of the world. Despite the chaos and turmoil, the holy man remains unfazed, symbolized by his indifference to the rain. This imagery suggests that the journey towards enlightenment allows one to rise above the pain and find peace.

[Chorus 1] You will see light in the darkness
You will make some sense of this
When you’ve made your secret journey
You will find this love you miss

The chorus offers hope and encouragement to those who embark on their own secret journey. It promises that amidst the darkness, one can find light and make sense of their experiences. The ultimate reward is the discovery of a love that was previously missing from their lives.

[Verse 2] And on the days that followed
I listened to his words
I strained to understand him
I chased his thoughts like birds

Continuing the narrative, the protagonist spends time with the holy man, eagerly absorbing his wisdom and striving to comprehend his teachings. The metaphor of chasing thoughts like birds suggests the elusive nature of fully understanding profound concepts.

[Chorus 1] You will see light in the darkness
You will make some sense of this
When you’ve made your secret journey
You will find this love you miss

The chorus resurfaces, reinforcing the idea that the secret journey leads to transformation and the fulfillment of missing love.

[Chorus 2] You will see light in the darkness
You will make some sense of this
You will see a joy in this sadness
You will find this love you miss

The second chorus builds upon the previous one, emphasizing the discovery of joy even within sadness. It reiterates that the journey leads to a profound sense of understanding and the reconnection with love.

[Outro] And when you’ve made your secret journey
You will be a holy man
When you’ve made your secret journey
You will be a holy man
When you’ve made your secret journey
You will be a holy man
When you’ve made your secret journey
You will be a holy man

The outro of the song reiterates the transformational nature of the secret journey. It promises that one will become a holy person, suggesting a spiritual awakening and a deeper connection with oneself and the world.

The Inspiration:

“Secret Journey” was inspired by Sting’s reading of “Meetings with Remarkable Men,” a book written by George Gurdjieff. This influential work explores Gurdjieff’s encounters with various spiritual teachers and their teachings. Sting’s lyrics reflect the themes of self-discovery, enlightenment, and inner transformation found in the book.

The Reception:

While “Secret Journey” wasn’t released as a single in Europe, it gained moderate success. It reached number twenty-nine on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and peaked at forty-six on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite its relative obscurity compared to their bigger hits, this song remains a fan favorite for its introspective and thought-provoking qualities.

Conclusion:

“Secret Journey” by The Police takes listeners on a compelling voyage of self-discovery and transformation. Through its powerful lyrics and captivating melody, the song invites us to embark on our own secret journey towards enlightenment and profound love. It serves as a reminder that amidst the darkness, we can find light, understanding, and ultimately, a sense of inner peace.