Enya’s “The Humming” Lyrics Meaning
It is obvious that what the lyrics of “The Humming” are speaking to, most simply put, is existence. As Enya has described this piece in her own words, it is based on “the change that happens within the universe” or the cycle of life, as some people may put it. But she doesn’t actually mention life forms but rather the likes of “light”, “the sea”, “the waves” and what have you.
The songstress also makes a pretty notable statement in asserting that “all is dust”. In making that assertion, she is not necessarily being metaphorical but rather alluding to a concept like the beginning of the universe. In fact it is also the scientific understanding of the phenomenon that the title of this song is based on, i.e. “the humming” sound that a particularly-powerful telescope picked up which, as interpreted, is supposed to be how the universe sounded when it was first formed.
So as usual when dealing with Enya, this is some pretty-deep stuff here. But unlike when some other musicians try to tackle such existential subjects, she seems to be a master at doing so in a simplistic way, like even if you don’t know what she’s specifically singing about, still you get the gist of what’s being put forth.
And as far as thesis sentiment of this piece, it is intended to be something along the lines of change itself being permanent, i.e. matter being in a constant state of flux, so to speak. Indeed now, even us laymen know that the likes of galaxies, stars and planets, in all their intricacies, are constantly being formed anew, which is the overall idea that “The Humming” is speaking to.
Enya talks about “The Humming”
According to Enya, the song focuses on the constant change that never stops happening within our universe. In shedding more light on this, Enya gave an example of how when the water on earth evaporates, it turns into clouds in the sky. These clouds then transform into rain and pour on the land. Another example is the case of trees that fall and die. However, that isn’t their end because they metamorphosize into fungi which is very important to humans and the environment.
All in all, she referred to “The Humming” as being about nature’s never-ending “recycling”.
When was “The Humming” released?
“The Humming” officially came out in 2015. It is one of the tracks to be found on “Dark Sky Island”, Enya’s eighth-studio album, which was put out by Warner Bros. Records.
This is a project that peaked at number four on the UK Albums Chart and number 8 on the US Billboard 200, with Enya herself being from Ireland.
Did Enya write “The Humming”?
Enya wrote this track entirely by herself. The track’s producer being Nicky Ryan, a mainstay behind-the-scenes’ man in her career.
