Meaning of "Crayon Angels" by Judee Sill

The lyrics to "Crayon Angels" delve into themes of faith, disillusionment, and the quest for spiritual transcendence. The narrator opens by acknowledging that the "crayon angel songs" they create are slightly out of tune, suggesting a sense of imperfection or inadequacy in their spiritual pursuits. However, they absolve themselves of blame for this disconnection, suggesting that it is not something they alone can control. This sets the stage for a narrative of waiting, where the narrator anticipates that something significant will soon happen.

The references to "God" and the "astral plane" in the waiting process indicate a desire for divine intervention or a journey to a higher realm of existence. The narrator's yearning for truth is juxtaposed with a metaphorical "ride to the other side," perhaps alluding to a desire for enlightenment or a transcendent experience that goes beyond the limitations of their current reality. This longing portrays a common human desire to connect with something greater than oneself, seeking meaning and purpose beyond the mundane.

As the song progresses, the narrator reflects on their experiences with false prophets who have stolen the "only light" they knew. This could represent a loss of faith in religious or spiritual figures who were once revered to provide guidance and enlightenment. The darkness "softly screamed," suggesting a contrast between the deceptive promises of false prophets and the harsh reality that followed.

Despite this deception and loss, the narrator finds solace in their dreams, where angels return and laugh. These angels may represent a symbol of hope, the divine, or a connection to a higher realm. The dreams provide a temporary respite from the disillusionment and serve as a reminder of the existence of something beyond the narrator's current reality. The final line, "I wonder what it means," leaves an air of ambiguity, implying the narrator's uncertainty and curiosity about the significance of these encounters with angels and the potential for spiritual redemption.

Overall, "Crayon Angels" explores the universal human longing for spiritual connection and the disillusionment that can arise when faced with false prophets or deceptive experiences. It invites introspection and contemplation on the nature of faith, truth, and the search for meaning in a complex world.