"Begging For Grace (Dragonfly Wings)" by Joshua Kadison tells the story of a protagonist who was locked up in a mental institution. The narrator can't remember how they ended up in this situation, but they were found on the streets asking for mercy. Despite their lost memories, others believe they have lost their sanity. Amidst this confusion, the narrator encounters a girl in a garden after the rain. Both dressed in white robes, she takes the narrator's hand and comments on their kind eyes. She then reveals that she was sent by someone from the "other side," possibly a spiritual or supernatural entity. The girl tells the narrator to relay a message to this person from the other side. She instructs them to inform this person that she has been patiently waiting for them for a long time. It has been a tumultuous journey for her, and the narrator is encouraged to describe it as a "crazy ride." However, she has learned the lessons the person sent her to learn and has discovered her aspirations. She desires to embody the colors of blues and greens and wishes to soar on dragonfly wings. As the narrative unfolds, the girl and the narrator find themselves sitting by a riverbank. She reveals scars on her wrists and explains they contain sacred writing from an ancient language. If she can decipher these sacred signs, she believes she will uncover all the information she desires. The girl asks the narrator to relay the same message to the person from the other side. She wants the narrator to inform them that she is still waiting. She imparts that if the narrator ever encounters the Dragonfly Queen, they should let her know she is patiently waiting for her wings at the river's bend. The song concludes with the narrator finding the girl walking in northern fields. They express their need to leave since they have been deemed "healed." They inform her they can now see their own face reflected in the mirror. In response, the girl requests that if the narrator ever encounters the Dragonfly Queen, they should relay her message about waiting for her wings. The song ends with the repeated desire for blues, greens, and flying on dragonfly wings. Overall, the song's meaning revolves around themes of mystery, spiritual connection, personal growth, and the pursuit of aspirations. It explores the protagonist's experience in a mental institution, encounters with a girl who seems to be connected to the spiritual realm, and their longing to achieve something larger than themselves symbolized by the desire to be flying on dragonfly wings.
