To me this song is about someone not having the courage or not wanting to move on literally or figuratively. Wanting to stay home at the "fountain", not betraying his values and beliefs -"our water". But the people around - "they" - moved on. "They came down from the mountain". They simply left or changed too much in relation to him. By staying still he lost his tender rose - his daughter. But he intends to stay true his beliefs until the end. He's made up his mind to not betray them till he dies. The point where Colin sings "Till the water's all long gone", the sudden change of mood and the beautiful solo that follows gives me chills.
This is my favorite song from the album, but that's only my first hearing of the album. Thanks for this beauty Decemberists!
To me this song is about someone not having the courage or not wanting to move on literally or figuratively. Wanting to stay home at the "fountain", not betraying his values and beliefs -"our water". But the people around - "they" - moved on. "They came down from the mountain". They simply left or changed too much in relation to him. By staying still he lost his tender rose - his daughter. But he intends to stay true his beliefs until the end. He's made up his mind to not betray them till he dies. The point where Colin sings "Till the water's all long gone", the sudden change of mood and the beautiful solo that follows gives me chills.
This is my favorite song from the album, but that's only my first hearing of the album. Thanks for this beauty Decemberists!