Angels

I sit and wait
Does an angel contemplate my fate
And do they know
The places where we go
When we’re grey and old
‘Cause I have been told
That salvation lets their wings unfold
So when I’m lying in my bed
Thoughts running through my head
And I feel the love is dead
I’m loving angels instead

And through it all she offers me protection
A lot of love and affection
Whether I’m right or wrong
And down the waterfall 
Wherever it may take me
I know that life won’t break me
When I come to call, she won’t forsake me
I’m loving angels instead

When I’m feeling weak
And my pain walks down a one way street
I look above
And I know I’ll always be blessed with love
And as the feeling grows
She breathes flesh to my bones
And when love is dead
I’m loving angels instead

And through it all she offers me protection
A lot of love and affection
Whether I’m right or wrong
And down the waterfall 
Wherever it may take me
I know that life won’t break me
When I come to call, she won’t forsake me
I’m loving angels instead

This is probably my favourite record of all time. It is by Robbie Williams and apparently about the idea that loved ones that have passed will protect us. For me, there is something beautiful about the lyrics that resonate with me. That those we have loved are always close to us, especially when we are at our lowest ebb. And it is certainly a song that I have played when alone and feeling down. 

Mind you, it also has happy memories for me and I will always remember the two times I have heard Robbie sing live. The first at Knebworth in 2003 – A beautiful sunny and warm August afternoon and evening. A day spent with my two brothers and their wives. We were lucky enough to be living nearby, parked in town and walked, much to the dismay of my two sisters in law. But once in the grounds, we had an amazing time – a rare outing without children. Angels was played as an encore at the end of the concert. We were already starting to make our way towards the exits since 100,000 people were present. but as Angels started we stopped, listened and watched. 

My second time was at Wembley in 2013. My ex refused to go with me as we were in the throws of arguing about potentially separating. I had bought the tickets and didn’t want to waste them so invited one of my sisters in law. She is now divorced from my brother and so I don’t see her often. She was one of the first people I told about the impending split and that I was seeing someone else. The support she gave me on that day gave me the strength to tell my parents and to ultimately move on. I can’t remember exactly, but am pretty sure Angels was again the encore song. 

People often play Angels at funerals, though I haven’t heard it at one. There is a reasonable chance I’d want it at mine. Though I prefer to think of it in a more pleasant setting and definitely being sung live at a concert.