It’s time to make a confession. I was once a fully signed up hippy.
And as a child of sixties psychedelia,there was some required reading (as well as listening).
The first was a book by the late, great John Michell called ‘The View Over Atlantis‘.
It was my introduction to the ideas around sacred landscape and sacred architecture.
And it was where I came across the concept of Albion as a holy landscape in the West of England.
In fact my recent novel, ‘A Gift Of Serenity‘, takes the anti-hero through a physical journey through Albion.
John Michell mentioned a book that had influenced his own writing.
It’s called ‘The Old Straight Track‘ by Alfred Watkins, and is an interesting read
that talks about ley lines, ancient monuments and much more.
So you will find echoes of my early reading in the lyrics of this song.
ALBION STREET
I’m standing at the end of Albion Street
I’m watching the sun go down
Looking down the old straight track
I wonder if she’ll ever come back
She’s a pilgrim
She is searching for the holy well
Where the worm lies waiting
It’s dressed to kill
She’s following the steps of Jesus
In Blakes Jerusalem
Built with square and compass
To the Architects great plan
I’m standing at the end of Albion Street
I’m watching the sun go down
Looking down the old straight track
I wonder if she’ll ever come back
There’s a line like lightning
It’s the dragon and the snake
Through Tor, Wood and Valley
It’s the great St Michael’s Ley
It pierces the heart
Of those who wish to see
Beyond brick and body
It’s the souls alchemy
I’m standing at the end of Albion Street
I’m watching the sun go down
Looking down the old straight track
I wonder if she’ll ever come back
Can you see the isle of glass
Where the ancients walked the maze
To draw the Mother’s power
To bless the sacred ways
And did you know that where you dance
In Glastonbury’s shade
Joseph hid the chalice
And the Holy thorn was laid
I’m standing at the end of Albion Street
I’m watching the sun go down
Looking down the old straight track
I wonder if she’ll ever come back