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Length: 4:08
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The crime was looking up the truth
And as the bombshells of my daily fears explode
I try to trace them to my youth
And then you had to bring up reincarnation
Over a couple of beers the other night
And now I'm serving time for mistakes
Made by another in another lifetime
How long 'til my soul gets it right?
Can any human being ever reach that kind of light?
I call on the resting soul, of Galileo
King of night vision, king of insight
And then I think about my fear of motion
Which I never could explain
Some other fool across the ocean years ago
Must have crashed his little airplane
How long 'til my soul gets it right?
Could any human being ever reach that kind of light?
I call on the resting soul, of Galileo
King of night vision, king of insight
I'm not making a joke,
You know me, I take everything so seriously
If we wait for the time 'til all souls get it right
Then at least I know there'll be no nuclear annihilation
In my lifetime, I'm still not right
I offer thanks to those before me
That's all I've got to say
'Cause maybe you squandered big bucks in your lifetime
Now i have to pay...
But then again it feels like some sort of inspiration
To let the next life off the hook
Or she'll say "look what I had to overcome from my last life
I think I'll write a book!"
How long 'til my soul gets it right?
Can any human being ever reach the highest light?
Except for (the resting soul) Galileo, God rest his soul (of Galileo)
King of night vision, king of insight...
How long...? (until my soul gets it right)
('Til we reach the highest light)
How long...? ('til my soul gets it right)
('Til we reach the highest light)
How long...
I love how Jackson Browne's voice weaves in so subtly at the end.
Had no idea he did backing vocals on this.
Easy way of interpreting this line would be that matters of intuition or divination were thought to come from the devil, or from darkness. Galileo seemed in his time to be supernaturally talented when it came to his visions, his inventions, etc. And like how those who've been so far ahead of their time as to seen magical, there were some that believed his powers were derived from less than holy sources,
hence, night vision.
Fortunately our present time isn't nearly as superstitious even though it still has a way to go.
I just thought it meant that he was good at making observations of the stars and planets at night using the telescope he invented.
I love the Indigo Girls and this song is pleasant enough, but it brings up a misconception in the first two lines that is often heard regarding Galileo. Namely, persecution for "seeking the truth".
His "crime" was not pointing the telescope at the sky and attempting to explain the results using the heliocentric model of the solar system. The heliocentric system was permitted at the time as a mathematical "device" for explaining observations as long as was not used to contest the theological basis of the earth-centric Ptolmaic system sanctioned by the church. His old friend Cardinal Bellarmine encouraged him to pursue his research as long as he did not stray into theological arguments. Galileo's sh*t-stirring and the climate of reaction during the Counter-Reformation after the Council of Trent caused the hardening of attitudes of the Inquisition. Pope Gregory generally showed leniency. He was not arrested after the first inquisition, but merely sanctioned and prohibited from publishing and teaching Heliocentrism as theological "truth". The Popes Gregory XV and his successor Urban VIII were highly educated men, connected to the Jesuit order by education and patronage and generally sympathetic to Galileo's ideas. The Jesuit order, in particular, was filled with world-class intellectuals and was often very open to new ideas. It also helped initally (until 1610) that Galileo was teaching in Padova, under the protection of the Venetian Republic (which was often at odds with the Papacy..and had the financial and political power to resist papal injunctions). Had Galileo remained under the protection of Venice and not returned to Tuscany, he might have been able to thumb his nose at the Church with fewer grave consequences.
Galileo's publication of the Dialog Concerning the Two Chief World Systems in 1633 was a political act that alienated many of his supporters among the churchmen and resulted in his infamous abjuration before the Inquisition and his house arrest until he died Jan. 8, 1642. His works were banned in the Catholic world, but were published in abundance by the Protestant Dutch publisher Elsevier.
An interesting side note: Isaac Newton was born on Christmas Day, 1642.
![yawn](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_yawn.gif)
I love Indigo Girls.
Moooo.
Especially since the second verse mentions, "over a couple of beers the other night". This is a tipsy pondering, not a serious belief in anything. The video really reinforces that too.
His "crime" was not pointing the telescope at the sky and attempting to explain the results using the heliocentric model of the solar system. The heliocentric system was permitted at the time as a mathematical "device" for explaining observations as long as was not used to contest the theological basis of the earth-centric Ptolmaic system sanctioned by the church....
Thanks for sharing the extra info, which is ultimately what got Galileo in trouble, eh? The SHARING of the truth and knowledge with the masses was the problem, not merely the idea of it - well poop on them all the same! Long Live RP and SHARING truth!
His "crime" was not pointing the telescope at the sky and attempting to explain the results using the heliocentric model of the solar system. The heliocentric system was permitted at the time as a mathematical "device" for explaining observations as long as was not used to contest the theological basis of the earth-centric Ptolmaic system sanctioned by the church. His old friend Cardinal Bellarmine encouraged him to pursue his research as long as he did not stray into theological arguments. Galileo's sh*t-stirring and the climate of reaction during the Counter-Reformation after the Council of Trent caused the hardening of attitudes of the Inquisition. Pope Gregory generally showed leniency. He was not arrested after the first inquisition, but merely sanctioned and prohibited from publishing and teaching Heliocentrism as theological "truth". The Popes Gregory XV and his successor Urban VIII were highly educated men, connected to the Jesuit order by education and patronage and generally sympathetic to Galileo's ideas. The Jesuit order, in particular, was filled with world-class intellectuals and was often very open to new ideas. It also helped initally (until 1610) that Galileo was teaching in Padova, under the protection of the Venetian Republic (which was often at odds with the Papacy..and had the financial and political power to resist papal injunctions). Had Galileo remained under the protection of Venice and not returned to Tuscany, he might have been able to thumb his nose at the Church with fewer grave consequences.
Galileo's publication of the Dialog Concerning the Two Chief World Systems in 1633 was a political act that alienated many of his supporters among the churchmen and resulted in his infamous abjuration before the Inquisition and his house arrest until he died Jan. 8, 1642. His works were banned in the Catholic world, but were published in abundance by the Protestant Dutch publisher Elsevier.
An interesting side note: Isaac Newton was born on Christmas Day, 1642.
It's art. Don't analyze it too much.
Partially agree, though isn't there a "eye of the beholder" clause that applies? If the art moves one to analyze something, what's the harm? Heck, I'm still trying to figure out half of Bob Dylan's songs yet I still enjoy hearing them. Maybe it's a Duck thing....Go Dawgs!! (I kid you Webfoot cuz I can!) And I'm liking the discussions on this one enough to bump my 7 to an 8....Long Live RP!!
![](https://i2.wp.com/media.boingboing.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/tumblr_mcrpnzLPoQ1rk5dywo1_r1_500.jpg?w=500&ssl=1)
I believe that's BuffaloBillileo.
Either I'm not seeking too deep, or not deep enough, to determine whether this is supposed to make any sense.
Easy way of interpreting this line would be that matters of intuition or divination were thought to come from the devil, or from darkness. Galileo seemed in his time to be supernaturally talented when it came to his visions, his inventions, etc. And like how those who've been so far ahead of their time as to seen magical, there were some that believed his powers were derived from less than holy sources,
hence, night vision.
Fortunately our present time isn't nearly as superstitious even though it still has a way to go.
Either I'm not seeking too deep, or not deep enough, to determine whether this is supposed to make any sense.
You know, cuz he looked into the night sky with a telescope. It isn't deep. But it is painfully awkward if you can't hear "night-vision" without thinking "googles".
![](https://i2.wp.com/media.boingboing.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/tumblr_mcrpnzLPoQ1rk5dywo1_r1_500.jpg?w=500&ssl=1)
Either I'm not seeking too deep, or not deep enough, to determine whether this is supposed to make any sense.
Makes sense to me, Galileo being an astronomer and all.
Either I'm not seeking too deep, or not deep enough, to determine whether this is supposed to make any sense.
It's art. Don't analyze it too much.
Either I'm not seeking too deep, or not deep enough, to determine whether this is supposed to make any sense.
Yeah: strong melodies, tight harmonies, creative cerebral lyrics, good production, nice acoustic guitar work - who the hell would want that?
Ummm so just like the Indigo Girls then? Sounds like you're closer to fine.
I love Indigo Girls.
Moooo.
![{#Bounce} {#Bounce}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_bounce.gif)
miss you so much, Cynaera...
love this song... this whole album is marvelous...
I agree... this song is absolutely marvelous... it is from a truly great album... time flies when we're having fun...
Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches loves this song...
Keef wrote:
Gave it an 8. Now it's average is up to 6.6!
Damn straight peoples. 11 wouldn't be too much.
Whatever floats your boat.
Gave it an 8. Now it's average is up to 6.6!
I suspect they wanted to be a real RnR group. Can't do that w/out a GOOD drummer. Maybe they just need a better one.
Huh. Is that what happened to them? At one point I really liked them, but then I started to find them annoying. I thought my tastes had evolved, but maybe their music just got.....annoying.
Wow! Soooooooooooo deeep- I think I fell asleep for the deepest part though. 3
I love Indigo Girls.
Moooo.
![{#Bounce} {#Bounce}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_bounce.gif)
Everybody in my hotel room loves this song...
nooo, use your words...
I love Indigo Girls.
Moooo.
![{#Bounce} {#Bounce}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_bounce.gif)
I was wondering if you like this song.
?
absolutely brilliant song...
agreed
I have always been curious if that was Lyle Lovett singing in the back there on some of the tracks, too...anybody know?
![{#Yell} {#Yell}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/smiley-yell.gif)
...worse than natalie merchant's chain gang?..
Nope, not telling. It's between me and whoever I decided is worthy of awe or admiration. The song itself is just wonderful. It makes me smile and look more closely at a flower or a bumblebee.
![{#Sunny} {#Sunny}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/sunny.gif)
![{#Good-vibes} {#Good-vibes}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/good-vibes.gif)
![](https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45525000/jpg/_45525873_waste_acs_226.jpg)
Fixed yer typo.
Lame
I like the lyrics to this one as they're quite funny, and are a pretty droll ironic commentary on hippie-type males.
Where do you get that interpretation from? The lyrics seem pretty straightforward to me: The singer assumes that Galileo's soul has reached perfection and is thus at rest, and wonders how many more times she'll have to die and be reincarnated before she reaches perfection as well.
It's a feel good song!
![{#Sunny} {#Sunny}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/sunny.gif)
Yes! Please! I have always disliked this duo. They always struck me as trying too hard to be smart and/or clever.
![{#Rolleyes} {#Rolleyes}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_rolleyes.gif)
That must be it - the Indigo Girls do generate strong opinions because of their strong feminist positions, and rightly so. They probably figure that if they're not winding some folk then they're not getting their points across. I like the lyrics to this one as they're quite funny, and are a pretty droll ironic commentary on hippie-type males, such as I used to know who would live with their heads in the karmic clouds but had a strong line in guilt-tripping and moralism to us imperfect and unenlightened ones. Not that they were too proud to accept our help on practical matters, such as free pints and smokes.
So, could you call them "karmic Bogarts?"
![{#Think} {#Think}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/eusa_think.gif)
![{#Cowboy} {#Cowboy}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_cowboy.gif)
Oh man, and I didn't even listen to the lyrics...
It sounds annoying enough as it is. I really don't need to disagree with those girls to dislike them.
"Disagree" with them about what, exactly?
Oh man, and I didn't even listen to the lyrics...
It sounds annoying enough as it is. I really don't need to disagree with those girls to dislike them.
![{#Puke} {#Puke}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_puke.gif)
This is one of them.
![{#Beat} {#Beat}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_beat.gif)
If I could give it a negative 1000 I would.
![{#Skull} {#Skull}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_skull.gif)
I'd rather sing along with Barney the Purple Dinosaur
![{#No} {#No}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_no.gif)
Fixed yer typo.
![{#Puke} {#Puke}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_puke.gif)
This is one of them.
![{#Beat} {#Beat}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_beat.gif)
If I could give it a negative 1000 I would.
![{#Skull} {#Skull}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_skull.gif)
I'd rather sing along with Barney the Purple Dinosaur
![{#No} {#No}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_no.gif)
A favorite IG songs of mine. This and Language or the Kiss are probably my two favorites. That being said, these ladies have several metric f-tons of great songs. Interesting open guitar tunings, great harmonies, thoughtful lyrics. There may be a half-dozen stinkers, but most everything I've ever heard from them was an accomplishment to be proud of.
That must be it - the Indigo Girls do generate strong opinions because of their strong feminist positions, and rightly so. They probably figure that if they're not winding some folk then they're not getting their points across. I like the lyrics to this one as they're quite funny, and are a pretty droll ironic commentary on hippie-type males, such as I used to know who would live with their heads in the karmic clouds but had a strong line in guilt-tripping and moralism to us imperfect and unenlightened ones. Not that they were too proud to accept our help on practical matters, such as free pints and smokes.
![](https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff137/rimnuggets/RosieODonald.jpg)
![{#Grumpy} {#Grumpy}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/grumpy.gif)
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![music](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_music.gif)
![cheesygrin](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_cheesygrin.gif)
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I just thought it meant that he was good at making observations of the stars and planets at night using the telescope he invented.
Yes, both!! How cool is that! Night 🌙 vision is New vision ✨️ 🙏🏻