Both Willow I and II recorded this. The Willow II recording has a funky sax break by Elliot, but this is the more soulful version, with James singing and Helena’s answering harmonies (and I love my guitar break). I was deeply interested in various spiritual matters in the 60’s, mostly because of how I could use them as metaphors. I particularly get off on the gospel like harmonies in the fourth line of the chorus and how I use the break to return to the original key.
Lyrics
With These Wings
Used to be so flattered
Thinking that it mattered
But my dreams were shattered
They crumbled into fears
Worried that tomorrow
Joy will turn to sorrow
Encumbered by my dwindling years
Everything about me
Can exist without me
My spirit has allowed me
The vision and the place
But don’t you know it splits me
‘Cause my body always quits me
Stuck fast in time and lost in space
With these wings I could sing
Flying over everything
But my soul worries so
About my body down below
Don’t be shy, body, fly
Take your place up in the sky
And we will meet for one moment
Of peace, you and I
Guess I’ll soon be taking
This path I have been making
Though my body’s shaking
It’s aching for release
Everything I’ve got here
I realize is not here
But somewhere further to the East
And every time my spirit
Tells me that I’m near it
Don’t you know I fear it
And think about my home
Everyone I long for
I must write a song for
And face this naked and alone
With these wings I could sing
Flying over everything
But my soul worries so
About my body down below
Don’t be shy, body, fly
Take your place up in the sky
And we will meet for one moment
Of peace, you and I.