Iona Wisdom Lyrics

Although Jo originally wrote this song before the 'Be Thou my Vision' concept was formulated, it perfectly fits the line from the hymn 'both waking and sleeping, Thy presence my light'.
When we knew that Maire Brennan was available to sing on the album, this was one track that we knew would be ideal for her vocal textures and a place where some fragments of the Gaelic translation of the hymn would fit in. The song was written on piano, but the arrangement changed to acoustic guitars/synth and vocal textures to create a more open, atmospheric effect.
Both these tracks also feature Robert Fripp on guitar synthesiser and 'Frippertronics' (a complex array of echo and other effects) adding some background textures.

You were the very first before the world began
And the oceans rose and the rivers ran
And the water flowed before the mountains and hills were set in place
Before the stars in the sky and the human race
You were there, You were there

Chorus:
Wisdom, teach me what is right
Widsom, come and give me sight
Wisdom, come and be my light
My light

You are the voice of truth that is just and right
A shield to the faithful, a sword for the fight
A path for the wise and those who desire You more than silver or gold
Will find understanding within the soul
For You are there, You are there

(Chorus...)