The Lantern (song)

The song opens with chimes, which serve as the mystic symbol of enlightenment. It carries a melody inspired by the blues, with folk influences as well. "The Lantern" also features a horn arrangement. Brian Jones plays the organ in the intro and in the 2:30 mark, though earlier version of the song feature his organ throughout. The lyrics deal with a pair of lovers, one of whom has died though the other still feels love for her. A lantern is a metaphor for what unites the two between life and death, and also the light that would enable him to join her when he dies. ==Release and reception==

The single was released on 2 December 1967. Matthew Greenwald of Allmusic called the song's melody one of the best on the album, compared the lyrics to those of Syd Barrett, and wrote that it was "one of the underappreciated songs from Their Satanic Majesties Request." Georgiy Starostin, on the other hand, considered it the best song on the album. He criticized the lyrics but opined, "in comparison to, say, Led Zeppelin's flat-foot, gruff take on mysticism, this one is gentle, exotic and totally non-generic." ==Personnel==

Source: The Rolling Stones • Mick Jagger – lead vocals • Brian Jones – organ, Mellotron • Keith Richards – acoustic guitar, electric guitar, backing vocals • Bill Wyman – bass guitar • Charlie Watts – drums Additional personnel • Nicky Hopkins – piano ==References==