Élan

'Élan' is the first single and third track from Nightwish's eighth album, Endless Forms Most Beautiful. The song is the first Nightwish song to contain Floor Jansen and Troy Donockley as full-time band members. Jansen was previously a touring member from 2012-13 and Donockley was a session member from 2007-13. The song also has Kai Hahto on drums as a temporary member as Jukka Nevalainen had to take a break from the band due to strong insomnia. The song was inspired by Walt Whitman, according to songwriter and keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen. The song also deals with the meaning of life and how it is interpreted differently for the individual. 'Élan' was released as a single on 13 February 2015 (leaked on 9 February) by digital download, 10" vinyl and CD. The single contain an un-released song that doesn't appear on Endless Forms Most Beautiful called 'Sagan'. 'Sagan' is about Carl Sagan. An accompanying music video to the song was released on 13 February 2015. 'Élan' single tracklisting: 1. "Élan" 2. "Sagan" (Single-exclusive bonus track) 3. "Élan" (Alternative version) 4. "Élan" (Radio version)

[Verse 1] Leave the sleep and let the springtime talk In tongues from the time before man Listen to a daffodil tell her tale Let the guest in, walk out, be the first to greet the morn... The meadows of heaven await harvest The cliffs unjumped, cold waters untouched The elsewhere creatures yet unseen Finally your number came up, free fall awaits the brave... [Chorus] Come! Taste the wine, race the blind They will guide you from the light Writing noughts till the end of time Come! Surf the clouds, race the dark It feeds from the runs undone Meet me where the cliff greets the sea... [Verse 2] The answer to the riddle before your eyes Is in dead leaves and fleeting skies Returning swans and sedulous mice Writings on the garden's book, in the minute of a lover's look Building a sandcastle close to the shore A house of cards from a worn out deck A home from the fellowship, poise and calm Write a lyric for the song only you can understand... [Chorus] Come! Taste the wine, race the blind They will guide you from the light Writing noughts till the end of time Come! Surf the clouds, race the dark It feeds from the runs undone Meet me where the cliff greets the sea... [Bridge] Riding hard every shooting star Come to life, open mind, have a laugh at the orthodox Come, drink deep, let the dam of mind seep Travel with great Élan, dance a jig at the funeral... [Chorus] Come! Taste the wine, race the blind They will guide you from the light Writing noughts till the end of time Come! Surf the clouds, race the dark It feeds from the runs undone Meet me where the cliff greets the sea... Come!