Angel
Judas Priest
A Soaring Plea for Redemption: Judas Priest's 'Angel'
Judas Priest's song 'Angel' is a powerful ballad that delves into themes of redemption, protection, and the longing for a return to innocence. The lyrics convey a deep sense of yearning for guidance and salvation, with the 'angel' being a metaphor for a protective force or a beacon of hope in a world filled with sin and darkness. The repeated requests for the angel to 'put sad wings around me now' suggest a desire to be enveloped in comfort and to be lifted away from the troubles of the earthly realm.
The song also touches on nostalgia and the bittersweet memories of a more innocent time, as the speaker reminisces about 'chasing the Sun' and 'reaching for the stars at night.' These lines evoke a sense of lost youth and the universal human experience of growing older and facing the harsh realities of life. The angel is implored to shine a light on the speaker, which can be interpreted as a call for clarity, understanding, and perhaps forgiveness.
Finally, 'Angel' culminates in a hopeful outlook, with the speaker expressing a belief in the possibility of a new beginning 'when all my sins are washed away.' The song's emotional depth is amplified by Judas Priest's signature heavy metal sound, although in a more subdued and melodic form, which adds to the overall atmosphere of seeking solace and transcendence.