Park of the Mysteries

from Lawn Ornaments by Bob Drake

	/

Buy the Full Digital Album

lyrics

This one commemorates the Park of the Mysteries
somewhere in Italy, or is it in Kentucky,
you will never find it marked on any maps
or listed in guidebooks, cameras don't work there
and satellites can't see it...

Threads of mineral water trickle onto statues in the grotto
(onto their heads)
vases have no niche, niches haven't got a vase in the rotunda.
On the distant hills, gigantic iridescent urns scintillate in the Sun.

Cerberus is fatter than the bear of stone reposing in the roses
(holding a rose)
Is it just a trick of light or did that dragon statue alter its position?
Towers list among stones, words carved upon them, no longer legible.

The patch of fog far across the valley
emanates from the poisonous Hyena Hot Spring
and at times from the wild canyons around us
echoes a deep-throated, unknown titanic animal's call
but don't worry, the park is fenced in.
(NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT!)

Around the outdoor ampitheatre
carvings of fantastical animals overlook the venue
which has never known an audience or an actor
but on some mystic summer evenings
they clamber down from their pedestals and their plinths
and get up on the stage where they clumsily dance
their clumsy midsummer dance.

credits

from Lawn Ornaments, released June 15, 2014

license

about

Bob Drake Caudeval, France

contact / help

Contact Bob Drake

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like Bob Drake, you may also like:

The Quiet In Your Bones
by Dave Kerman / 5uu's

supported by 18 fans who also own “Park of the Mysteries”

This album actually succeeds in making RIO fun. kalnins
go to album
Every Night Something Happens
by Lost Crowns

supported by 16 fans who also own “Park of the Mysteries”

In 2019, I was in Salisbury and attended the Alphabet Business Convention without knowing any artist. Lost Crowns was my favourite band that played there. Pablo P.
go to album
Ditzy Scene (Single)
by Cardiacs

supported by 16 fans who also own “Park of the Mysteries”

Just play Ditzy Scene loudly and feel it. rhythmplex
go to album
Landlady
by Landlady

New York group Landlady return with an accessible collection of lightly psychedelic, nostalgic pop songs. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 25, 2021
go to album
Free Cell
by Lina Tullgren

Sun-dappled psych co-mingles with experimental indie pop on Lina Tullgren's inviting new record. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 21, 2019
go to album
601
by Kelli Schaefer

featured on Bandcamp Radio Jun 18, 2013
go to album
Singin' to God
by The 180 Gs

supported by 13 fans who also own “Park of the Mysteries”

Only just learned of ‘Singin’ to God’ and have been listening to it on repeat - alternating with Tim Smith’s original - every day for the last week. What a beautiful tribute to him and so brilliantly executed. Hats off to all involved in this breathtaking recreation. A real achievement. thsmusic
go to album