This song is so deep, dark and magical. Like a mysterious river with unknown headwaters and murky depths.
I feel it's a meditation on life, depression and death. The conflicting desires that come from going through the darkness - to fight and move on, or to give up. Both can be so seductive.
But it's also so very elemental, the rhythm itself feeling like the movement of a river, either watching from the bank or floating upon its surface. Nature understands when others do not. And there is peace, wisdom and solace there not to be found in any church or cathedral. Not sure if Nick intended that, but the acoustic guitar, gentle tone and brightness amid the melancholy is there.
The River Man himself reminds me of Tom Bombadil and Goldberry from 'The Lord of the Rings.' Gentle and helpful but enigmatic ancient spirits of nature. Goldberry is described as "the River-woman's daughter."
But he could also well be a euphemism for Charon the boatman of the River Styx.
This song is so deep, dark and magical. Like a mysterious river with unknown headwaters and murky depths.
I feel it's a meditation on life, depression and death. The conflicting desires that come from going through the darkness - to fight and move on, or to give up. Both can be so seductive.
But it's also so very elemental, the rhythm itself feeling like the movement of a river, either watching from the bank or floating upon its surface. Nature understands when others do not. And there is peace, wisdom and solace there not to be found in any church or cathedral. Not sure if Nick intended that, but the acoustic guitar, gentle tone and brightness amid the melancholy is there.
The River Man himself reminds me of Tom Bombadil and Goldberry from 'The Lord of the Rings.' Gentle and helpful but enigmatic ancient spirits of nature. Goldberry is described as "the River-woman's daughter."
But he could also well be a euphemism for Charon the boatman of the River Styx.