Timshel

Album: Sigh No More (2009)
Charted: 71
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The song was directly inspired by John Steinbeck's novel East of Eden, which parallels the Cain and Abel story in Genesis. The title is a Hebrew word which translates as "thou mayest" and the discovery in the book by a group of Chinese scholars of Timshel's proper meaning in connection with the Cain and Abel account is an important symbol in East Of Eden's storyline. Steinbeck points out this free will to make choices, which God has given mankind means that though we will not be able to overcome original sin, we may decide to ask for forgiveness for our sins.
  • Marcus Mumford said regarding the book's author to Q magazine: "Steinbeck is my favorite American author. I've even made a pilgrimage to his house in Salinas, California."
  • Other songs that have been inspired by East Of Eden include Anna Nalick's "Drink Me" Meg and Dia's "Monster." and Bruce Springsteen's "Adam Raised a Cain."
  • Whenever Mumford & Sons perform "Timshel" in concert, Marcus Mumford thinks of his parents, though he's not sure why, and he sends them good vibes.

Comments: 1

  • Megan from Stevenson, AlI absolutely love the lyrics and how the four of their voices mix well to make the most wonderful music!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Wedding Bell Blues

Wedding Bell BluesSong Writing

When a song describes a wedding, it's rarely something to celebrate - with one big exception.

Judas Priest

Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford, Richie Faulkner and Glenn Tipton talk twin guitar harmonies and explain how they create songs in Judas Priest.

Billy Joe Shaver

Billy Joe ShaverSongwriter Interviews

The outlaw country icon talks about the spiritual element of his songwriting and his Bob Dylan mention.

John Kay of Steppenwolf

John Kay of SteppenwolfSongwriter Interviews

Steppenwolf frontman John Kay talks about "Magic Carpet Ride," "Born To Be Wild," and what he values more than awards and accolades.

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Glen Burtnik

Glen BurtnikSongwriter Interviews

On Glen's résumé: hit songwriter, Facebook dominator, and member of Styx.