Sufjan Stevens: The Transfiguration

Below are two videos of a song done by an artist I have recently discovered.  Sufjan Stevens is an amazing musician.  His lyrics are always thought-provoking, and he understands the simplicity and complexity of musical undertones and the power music can give to words.  The following videos feature the same song, The Transfiguration, taken from the albumSeven Swans. The first video is simply the song as it is played on the album against the backdrop of the album cover, while the second video is Sufjan performing live.  And, yes, he is wearing wings.  To be honest, I’m not sure why he wears wings or if anyone really knows why he does this (if you do know, feel free to leave a post to clear up my ignorance).  But he does.  And it works for him.  I encourage you to look beyond the wings and to hear the lyrics.  I am posting them below the videos.  What do you think?  Good?  Bad?  Interesting?  If you want more, you can buy Seven Swans on amazon.com.  To find out more about Sufjan, you can visit Asthmatic Kitty Records, you can check out the Sufjan fan site entitled All Good Naysayers, or you can visit Sufjan’s myspace page.

Lyrics to The Transfiguration :
When he took the three disciples
to the mountainside to pray,
his countenance was modified, his clothing was aflame.
Two men appeared: Moses and Elijah came;
they were at his side.
The prophecy, the legislation spoke of whenever he would die.

Then there came a word
of what he should accomplish on the day.
Then Peter spoke, to make of them a tabernacle place.
A cloud appeared in glory as an accolade.
They fell on the ground.
A voice arrived, the voice of God,
the face of God, covered in a cloud.

What he said to them,
the voice of God: the most beloved son.
Consider what he says to you, consider what’s to come.
The prophecy was put to death,
was put to death, and so will the Son.
And keep your word, disguise the vision till the time has come.

Lost in the cloud, a voice: Have no fear! We draw near!
Lost in the cloud, a sign: Son of man! Turn your ear!
Lost in the cloud, a voice: Lamb of God! We draw near!
Lost in the cloud, a sign: Son of man! Son of God!