The Legend Of Xanadu
The Fall · Other Songs - The Fall
You cannot legislate against wrongful encouagement
Youll hear my words
On the winds cross the sand
If you should return
To that black barren land that bears the name of xanadu
First without hope was our love
Then I saw it was lost from the start
It was the jewel that was nestling in the heart of xanadu
And the footprints leave their traces
Only shadows move in places where we used to go
And the buildings open to the sky
All echo to the sky as if to show
Our love was for a day
And soon to pass away in xanadu
In xanadu
On holiday
In xanadu, in xanadu, in xanadu
What was it to you that a man laid down his life for your love?
Were those clear eyes of yours ever filled with pain and grief?
Did you ever give yourself to one man in this whole wide world?
You left me but you will find your way back
To that black barren land that bears the name of xanadu
Youll hear my voice cross the winds on the sand
If you should return
To xanadu, to xanadu, to xanadu
To xanadu
Youll hear my words
On the winds cross the sand
If you should return
To that black barren land that bears the name of xanadu
First without hope was our love
Then I saw it was lost from the start
It was the jewel that was nestling in the heart of xanadu
And the footprints leave their traces
Only shadows move in places where we used to go
And the buildings open to the sky
All echo to the sky as if to show
Our love was for a day
And soon to pass away in xanadu
In xanadu
On holiday
In xanadu, in xanadu, in xanadu
What was it to you that a man laid down his life for your love?
Were those clear eyes of yours ever filled with pain and grief?
Did you ever give yourself to one man in this whole wide world?
You left me but you will find your way back
To that black barren land that bears the name of xanadu
Youll hear my voice cross the winds on the sand
If you should return
To xanadu, to xanadu, to xanadu
To xanadu
The Legend Of Xanadu
Released by The Fall in 1984, 'The Legend Of Xanadu' stands as a defining track within the band's experimental and post-punk catalogue. This recording exemplifies the group's signature approach, blending abrasive guitar work with rhythmic precision and a distinct vocal style that defies conventional pop structures. The song reflects the era's fascination with mythology and fantasy, yet it remains grounded in the band's characteristic tension between aggression and melody. As part of their broader discography, the track showcases Ian MacCaig's vocal delivery and the band's willingness to explore unconventional sonic territories, cementing its status as a key piece in The Fall's influential body of work.