The Imperials - Eagle Song (lyrics)

5th track from "One More Song For You" (1979). The words "timeless classic" were made for this song! With the group's most popular and successful lineup—Russ Taff, Armond Morales, Dave Will, and Jim Murray—the Imperials recorded a masterpiece that was at once earthy yet transcendent, familiar yet fresh, melodic yet harmony filled, and simple yet profound.

—thatMimosaGrove

*

I stood and watched an eagle glide
Spread his wings and soar across the sky
So gracefully he flew
Rising effortlessly
I wanted to know just how to be free

Tiny fingers curled round mine
Perfectly formed newborn
The image of two
Infinite mystery
I wanted to know where life comes from

What human intellect can't sway
Must be explained away
Earth wisdom, religions of men
Search without end to fill the spirit house within
Simplicity of God somehow escapes man

Ooh, ooh, ooh...

I reached for the Eternal One
Creation He was waiting to reveal
His purpose in me
He said, "This is where life begins
I made your spirit to glide on the wind"

Come, let's glide on the wind
Come on, let's glide on the wind
On the wind
On the wind
On the wind

Songwriters: Russ Taff, Victoria Taff

Producer: Michael Omartian

*

Like America itself, the Imperials have been around for a while. Truth is, they're older than dirt. Really! They backed up Elvis, for goodness sake. But make no mistake, they're outstanding in any decade. Er…make that century! Four Grammys and a list of awards and accomplishments as long as the Mississippi leave little doubt about it.

And as you might expect, over all that time they've undergone more than a few stylistic and personnel changes. But for four and a half extraordinary years—from 1976 to 1981—the group consisted of Russ Taff, Armond Morales, Dave Will, and Jim Murray. This was their most popular and successful lineup. It also produced my two favorite Imperials albums: One More Song For You (1979) and Priority (1980). The legendary Michael Omartian produced them both—that's him tickling the ivories, btw—and his Midas fingerprints are all over this radio-friendly, hit-laden album.

~thatMimosaGrove

P.S. – In 2010 Armond Morales, along with Imperials alumni Paul Smith and Dave Will, joined newcomer Rick Evans to release the appropriately titled Still Standing. "Still Standing." Haha, love it! Still. Standing. Like I said, older than dirt. Or if you prefer (and I do), "timeless classic!"

***

Image Credits (other than album art, in order of appearance): Bjarni Thorbjornsson / Per / Tyler Ingram / Chris / Marco Assini / Jc Olivera / Firesmile / Derek Σωκράτης Finch / University of Michigan School of Natural Resources & Environment / Atheist Foundation of Australia Inc photo by Rocco Ancora / Neal Wellons / NASA HQ PHOTO / slgckgc / Take Back Your Health Conference / Take Back Your Health Conference / Lulu Lovering / Alexander Shchukin / Sathish J / Ian D. Keating / 白士 李 / JLS Photography - Alaska / Kim Seng / Yau Hoong Tang / Len Matthews / Jason Mrachina / Stan Lupo / Sanjoy Ghosh / Sanjoy Ghosh / Amber Sun / Patrick Slaven / Patrick Slaven / Pedro Fernandes

[ImagineChristianity]

Beautiful! The late 70s and early 80s was a wonderful time for Christian music!! I still love Russ Taff, Bob Bennett, Keith Green, Steve Green, Harvest, and others of that time!

[jackfullerton]

Beautiful song. Thank you Lord for the peace and comfort it imparts.

[hymnplayer]

My wife and I have listened to this beautiful songs for years and years. It never gets old.

[victormoon]

I remember this song as a kid. I’m 58 now, and it still gets my soul.

[victormoon]

What a beautiful song written and sung by Russ Taff. Brings back lots of memories.

[carlstewart]

This song brings back so many wonderful memories of the early 80's, and the music of these guys made such an impact on me personally. This one is still as beautiful, inspirational, and relevant as it ever was.

[tesorodigger.]

That song makes me think of heaven my eternal home. That’s going to be my welcome song when I get there, a very peaceful song.❤

[mikeraspanti]

This has to be one of the most inspirational songs that I have ever heard in my life. Russ Taff and the Imperials have such a deep love of the Lord and it shows up in all of their music🥹

[deaddemocrat]

...The 80s, the weekend, mom cleaning the house with favorite christian music on...

[davidgill]

Ive loved this song all my life. It keeps me centered and recharges me.

[jameslane]

I have not heard this in SOOO long! Just what I needed for a spiritual pick-me-up. Praise the Lord Jesus Christ!

[GrantDeGaramo-ddwy]

Played this song at our Church for the Eagle scouts years ago

[MrHammerhead]

Russ & Tori Taff wrote amazing songs !

[TikTok-nuxo]

His love is so simple and He loves all the same.

[akbarshoed]

I'm a paraglider. At our sight an eagle often shows up and steals the show. I think of this song.

[topherfea]

Always love this song !! Eagles !!! We are !!!

[reneellewellyn]

Thank you Jesus! Just finished praising God to this song sitting by my campfire. When sing ended an Eagle came flying right over my head!

[heidipetrick]

I'm always glad to wake up with songs of praise on my mind. Eagle Song has always been a nice one!

[alanberg]

Brings tears to my eyes every time. I've loved it ever since it first came out. And I want it played at my funeral. It really is a sermon on the human condition, and the ultimate answer to the meaning of life in and through Jesus Christ.

[christianrogler]

One of the most inspirational songs I've ever heard✝️❤️😇