“Vigil”, the opening track of Fish’s debut solo album Vigil in a Wilderness of Mirrors from 1990, is an emotionally potent and politically charged centerpiece that encapsulates both the lyrical depth and theatrical grandeur Fish brought with him from his Marillion days. As the starting statement on an introspective and ambitious album, “Vigil” feels like both a lament and a call to conscience.
Clocking in at over eight minutes, “Vigil” unfolds as a slow-burning epic. It begins in a subdued, almost confessional tone with gentle acoustic textures and sparse instrumentation, allowing Fish’s distinctive voice to take center stage. His delivery is rich with gravitas, as he sings of alienation, betrayal, and disillusionment - both personal and societal. As the track builds, layers of orchestration and electric guitar swell around his words, heightening the emotional intensity and giving the song an anthemic, almost elegiac quality.
Lyrically, “Vigil” is a scathing yet poetic critique of social apathy and the erosion of empathy in modern society. Fish’s lyrics are dense and literary, weaving metaphors of mirrors, masks, and isolation into a broader commentary about the human condition. “I keep a vigil in a wilderness of mirrors”, he sings, evoking a sense of endless reflection and distortion in a world losing its moral compass.
Musically, the song’s progression mirrors its lyrical journey. From delicate beginnings to soaring crescendos, it is as much about emotional evolution as it is about sonic craftsmanship. It is one of those rare songs that feels like it has something important to say - and takes the time and space to say it with clarity and passion.
“Vigil” is a profound and cinematic opening statement on Vigil in a Wilderness of Mirrors, showcasing Fish at his most vulnerable and visionary. It’s not just a song, but a reflection - on society, on humanity, and on self. Lyrically thoughtful and musically expansive, “Vigil” stands as one of Fish’s finest solo moments, a haunting reminder that introspection can be revolutionary.
Clocking in at over eight minutes, “Vigil” unfolds as a slow-burning epic. It begins in a subdued, almost confessional tone with gentle acoustic textures and sparse instrumentation, allowing Fish’s distinctive voice to take center stage. His delivery is rich with gravitas, as he sings of alienation, betrayal, and disillusionment - both personal and societal. As the track builds, layers of orchestration and electric guitar swell around his words, heightening the emotional intensity and giving the song an anthemic, almost elegiac quality.
Lyrically, “Vigil” is a scathing yet poetic critique of social apathy and the erosion of empathy in modern society. Fish’s lyrics are dense and literary, weaving metaphors of mirrors, masks, and isolation into a broader commentary about the human condition. “I keep a vigil in a wilderness of mirrors”, he sings, evoking a sense of endless reflection and distortion in a world losing its moral compass.
Musically, the song’s progression mirrors its lyrical journey. From delicate beginnings to soaring crescendos, it is as much about emotional evolution as it is about sonic craftsmanship. It is one of those rare songs that feels like it has something important to say - and takes the time and space to say it with clarity and passion.
“Vigil” is a profound and cinematic opening statement on Vigil in a Wilderness of Mirrors, showcasing Fish at his most vulnerable and visionary. It’s not just a song, but a reflection - on society, on humanity, and on self. Lyrically thoughtful and musically expansive, “Vigil” stands as one of Fish’s finest solo moments, a haunting reminder that introspection can be revolutionary.