Donovan - Atlantis
“Atlantis” by Donovan
“Atlantis” , released in 1968, is one of the most iconic songs of Donovan . The song tells the story of the legendary sunken island of Atlantis and combines folk and psychedelic rock . It is an immersive track with both a spoken and a sung part, which makes it unique in Donovan's discography.
Musical Style
The song starts with a long one spoken word segment where Donovan tells the story of Atlantis, the mythical civilization that Plato believes disappeared under the sea. This part is supported by calm, minimalist music that evokes a dreamy atmosphere. The spoken part is followed by the sung chorus, which has a catchy and hypnotic melody. The musical transition from calm to a rhythmic and almost anthem-like chorus gives the song a special dynamic.
Text and Theme
The theme of “Atlantis” revolves around the myth of the lost continent. Donovan paints a picture of a time when Atlantis was a thriving civilization before it disappeared under the sea in a catastrophe. The texts are both an ode to lost times and a meditation on the transience of civilizations.
Although the text quite literally describes the myth of Atlantis, it is often interpreted as a reflection on the idealistic vision of the 1960s, a time when many people believed in a utopian society that could bring peace and harmony.
