Ute is a Native American tribe, right? The whole thing to me has a sort of "vision quest" theme. From wikipedia:
"Vision Quest consists of a person spending one to four days and nights secluded in nature. This provides time for deep communion with the fundamental forces and spiritual energies of creation and self-identity. During this time of intense spiritual communication a person can receive profound insight into themselves and the world. This insight, typically in the form of a dream of Vision, relates directly to their purpose and destiny in life..."
"Wondering free... dressed in gold and green" Etc.
Vision quests often involve disorientation, fatigue and hallucinations which is sort the vibe I get from the plaintive, beautiful bridge section ("But it's calm and it's clear...").
As far as the refrain I'm in a loss. It's possible the native character he's describing can't help but think of a lover he left at home, instead of turning his thoughts to higher spiritual things (as in I can't help but think of worldly things when I'm trying to get to something greater). Probably not though...
The other thing that is probably going on with this song is a parallel to his own life (relationships have been mentioned in this thread, and that could be). But mostly it seems like a meditation on life in a different culture that he feels connected with in some profound way. Channeling a past spirit maybe. Recall Jim Morrison's transformative childhood connection with an injured Native American family: "He always thought about that crying Indian"
I wonder if Daniel Rossen has Native American heritage, his appearance and even demeanor sort of suggest it. I'd be surprised actually if he didn't.
Ok, I just read an interview in which he talks about this song. I'd rather not post it though, it's usually better to wonder (though, I still don't think I'm far off).
Love the song. I have it in my head all the time and it gives me a solemn, haunting feeling--a sense of dire worldly struggle but one couched in the larger context of an invisible cosmic peace.
Ute is a Native American tribe, right? The whole thing to me has a sort of "vision quest" theme. From wikipedia:
"Vision Quest consists of a person spending one to four days and nights secluded in nature. This provides time for deep communion with the fundamental forces and spiritual energies of creation and self-identity. During this time of intense spiritual communication a person can receive profound insight into themselves and the world. This insight, typically in the form of a dream of Vision, relates directly to their purpose and destiny in life..."
"Wondering free... dressed in gold and green" Etc.
Vision quests often involve disorientation, fatigue and hallucinations which is sort the vibe I get from the plaintive, beautiful bridge section ("But it's calm and it's clear...").
As far as the refrain I'm in a loss. It's possible the native character he's describing can't help but think of a lover he left at home, instead of turning his thoughts to higher spiritual things (as in I can't help but think of worldly things when I'm trying to get to something greater). Probably not though...
The other thing that is probably going on with this song is a parallel to his own life (relationships have been mentioned in this thread, and that could be). But mostly it seems like a meditation on life in a different culture that he feels connected with in some profound way. Channeling a past spirit maybe. Recall Jim Morrison's transformative childhood connection with an injured Native American family: "He always thought about that crying Indian"
I wonder if Daniel Rossen has Native American heritage, his appearance and even demeanor sort of suggest it. I'd be surprised actually if he didn't.
Ok, I just read an interview in which he talks about this song. I'd rather not post it though, it's usually better to wonder (though, I still don't think I'm far off).
Love the song. I have it in my head all the time and it gives me a solemn, haunting feeling--a sense of dire worldly struggle but one couched in the larger context of an invisible cosmic peace.
It gets at something big.