The Mystical Journey of “Return to Innocence” by Enigma
The Birth of Enigma
Enigma emerged in the late 1980s as a musical project by German musician and producer, Michael Cretu. Known for his innovative approach to music production, Cretu infused Enigma’s sound with Gregorian chants, tribal drums, and otherworldly ambient sounds. The group’s first album, “MCMXC a.D.,” released in 1990, went on to become a global phenomenon, selling over 15 million copies worldwide.
The Making of “Return to Innocence”
“Return to Innocence” was released in 1993 as the lead single from Enigma’s second album, “The Cross of Changes.” The song’s lyrics were written by Cretu and his wife, Sandra, and the haunting melodies were inspired by a traditional Taiwanese chant that Cretu encountered on a multinational tour. The song featured the soulful voice of Andru Donalds, a British-Jamaican musician who also worked as a solo artist.
The Symbolism of “Return to Innocence”
“Return to Innocence” is a song about finding inner peace and returning to a state of purity and innocence. The song speaks of overcoming the pain, hurt, and trauma that life brings and rediscovering the childlike wonder and joy that we are all born with.
The song’s refrain repeats the phrase, “Don’t be afraid to be weak, don’t be proud to be strong,” which speaks to the idea of letting go of ego-driven motivations and embracing vulnerability as a source of strength. In essence, the song encourages listeners to shed their emotional armor and approach life with an open heart and mind.
The Cultural Impact of “Return to Innocence”
“Return to Innocence” remains one of Enigma’s most popular songs and has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The song has been used in numerous films, TV series, and commercials, including the movie “Natural Born Killers” and the TV series “South Park.” The song was also featured in a popular Levi’s commercial in the mid-90s, which helped to cement its status as a global hit.
The Legacy of Enigma and “Return to Innocence”
Enigma’s unique sound and mystical themes have continued to inspire a generation of musicians and fans. Cretu’s use of Gregorian chants and world music influences paved the way for a new genre of music that fuses traditional and contemporary sounds.
“Return to Innocence” remains a classic example of Enigma’s sound and message. Even after nearly three decades, the song’s universal themes of finding inner peace, letting go of fear, and embracing the present moment are as relevant as ever.
The Spiritual Significance of “Return to Innocence”
Beyond its powerful message of personal transformation, many fans and scholars have interpreted “Return to Innocence” as embodying spiritual and metaphysical themes. The song’s use of sacred chants and mystical sounds has led some to see it as a portal to higher states of consciousness.
For many listeners, “Return to Innocence” evokes feelings of transcendence, connecting them to the divine and reminding them of the deeper truths that underlie our daily existence. As one music critic wrote, “With ‘Return to Innocence,’ Enigma created a song that speaks to the soul, reminding us of our infinite potential and the transformative power of music.”
The Takeaway
“Return to Innocence” by Enigma is more than just a hit song; it is a musical journey that speaks to the deepest parts of our being. The song’s message of letting go of ego and fear and returning to a state of innocence and wonder is one that continues to resonate with fans around the world.
Whether you are a longtime Enigma fan or just discovering the group’s music for the first time, “Return to Innocence” is a song that is sure to touch your heart and ignite your spirit. As the lyrics remind us, “Love – Devotion / Feeling – Emotion / Don’t be afraid to be weak / Don’t be too proud to be strong / Just look into your heart, my friend / That will be the return to yourself / The return to innocence.”
