Must Be An Angel

Probably the most famous piece of public art in the UK, Antony Gormley’s towering 20 m (70 ft) winged figure – the Angel of the North- stands guard over Newcastle and has become an icon of contemporary art. It’s also one of the most viewed pieces of art in the world - seen by more than one person every second, 90,000 every day or 33 million every year. Most of these viewers are driving by on the A1 but it’s well worth stopping off to see the Angel up close, as I found out last autumn.

The Angel spreads its 54 m wings to welcome all who enter Tyneside, and remind them of the workers who once mined coal in the ground underneath.

I sit and wait
does an angel contemplate my fate
and do they know
the places where we go
when we´re grey and old
´cos I´ve been told
that salvation lets their wings unfold
so when I’m lying in my bed
thoughts running through my head
and I feel that love is dead
I’m loving angels instead

and through it all she offers me protection
a lot of love and affection
whether I’m right or wrong
and down the waterfall
wherever it may take me
I know that life won't break me
when I come to call she won't forsake me
I’m loving angels instead

when I’m feeling weak
and my pain walks down a one way street
I look above
and I know I'll always be blessed with love
and as the feeling grows
she breathes flesh to my bones
and when love is dead
I’m loving angels instead
[Angels - Robbie Williams & Guy Chambers]