Rise to Me

Good God Almighty... This song is amazing. As a father of a healthy child this song makes me cry. Its a battle cry. Its a love song. It is an anthem for fatherhood.

Perhaps to provide a little insight, Colin Meloy's son (born 2006) is named Henry.

The narrator begins by describing nature as a source of sustenance and then assumes the anthropomorphic voice of the trees and streams to express the strength and forcefulness of nature. He then addresses two people he cares about, telling them to be strong in the same way he has described the strength of nature.

Simple idea, but beautifully and artfully done.

One of my favorites on the new album.

This is one of my favorite songs by The Decemberists. Colin has recently opened up and said that his son was diagnosed with autism and that this song was dedicated to him. He said it was written about his and Carson's challenges. Another note, Colin has said Henry has trouble looking people in the eye. Anything to do with the line, "Hey Henry, can you hear me? Let me see those eyes."??

@kevogre - "It is an anthem for fatherhood." Very well put. I couldn't agree more.

It seems like somebody is talking to natural features like they're people and warning them about environmental destruction. That would seem to fit with the theme of the album. But I could certainly be wrong. I'm used to taking ideas from other people to form my own, so being the first comment is new ground for me.

To add a little more insight, Colin Meloy's son was also diagnosed with autism. Knowing a family that refuses to acknowledge their child's autism, this stuff is tough, so I think this is sort of reassurance of love and support, perhaps even a lullaby of sorts?

First song on the new album that made me cry, especially after reading the comments. I think my son (3 and a half) got annoyed that I had to hold him during it. :)

A common feature of autism is trouble looking people in the eye, so I think ohvalencia might be on to something there.

I was listening to this album on my way back and forth to the hospital after my wife had given birth to our son, Harry, at the end of January. i was driving home after visiting times and listening to this tune over and over and the words " let me so those eyes", I hadn't yet, and "This distance between us Can seem of mountain size" described my feelings entirely. Reading your comments have made the song even more appropriate.

Simply beautiful. I get all choked up thinking about Colin singing this and thinking of his son... What a lucky boy his Henry is to have such a father.

The song is about perseverance and love. The first stanza takes an environmentalist stance and says that the nature that provided for us will eventually reclaim us and the earth. The second and third stanzas are addressed to his son, Henry/"Hank", and his wife, Carson. He's telling them to stay strong and assures them that he'll stay strong for them too.

And wow, I didn't know that Colin's son is autistic. Makes this song so incredibly beautiful and sad.