The Riverboat Song
Troubled Reflections: The River's Meaning
Lyrics
I see double up ahead
I perceive a challenging situation in the near future
Where the riverboat swayed beneath the sun
Refers to a location where a riverboat moves gently in the sunlight
Is where the river runs red
Describes the river running red, possibly symbolizing conflict or danger
Like a King who stalks the wings and shoots a dove
Compares someone to a king making a decisive move, choosing freedom over restraint
And frees an eagle instead
Suggests a choice to release something powerful (eagle) instead of something fragile (dove)
It's more or less the same as the things that you said
Notes similarities between the current situation and past words spoken
I see trouble up the road
Anticipates trouble in the future
Like the things you found in love are by the way
Compares challenges to the complications found in love
And like to cheat on your soul
Suggests unfaithfulness to one's own essence or values
Like the best and worst of thoughts that lose control
Describes thoughts that spiral out of control, both positive and negative
Before you lie on your bed
Prepares for the consequences of actions before going to bed
It's more or less the same as the things that you said
Reiterates the similarity between current events and past statements
Anyway for all the things you know tell me why does the river not flow
Questions why the river does not flow despite knowing so much
Anyway for all the things you said tell me why does the river run red
Raises the same question about the river running red, pondering the contradiction
Anyway for all the things you've seen tell me when will the river run green
Asks when the river will turn green, perhaps a metaphor for positive change
And anyway for all the things you know tell me why does the river not flow
Repeats the question about the river not flowing, emphasizing the confusion
It's more or less the things you fail to say in your way that's your trouble
Blames communication issues as a source of trouble
Like a King who stalks the wings and shoots the moon and the stars
Compares someone to a king making powerful moves in both positive and negative directions
And his double
Highlights duality and contradiction in a person's actions
It's more or less the same as the things that you said
Reaffirms the resemblance between current events and past words
Anyway for all the things you know tell me why does the river not flow
Repeats the question about the river not flowing, seeking understanding
Anyway for all the things you said tell me why does the river run red
Reiterates the query about the river running red, expressing confusion
Anyway for all the things you've seen tell me when will the river run green
Repeats the question about the river turning green, anticipating positive change
And anyway for all the things you know tell me why does the river not flow
Restates the puzzle of the river not flowing, emphasizing the lack of clarity
I see trouble up ahead
Foresees trouble approaching once again
Where the river boat swayed beneath the sun
Revisits the scene of the riverboat beneath the sun, signaling a recurring theme
Is where the river runs red
Reiterates the notion of the river running red, emphasizing a persistent challenge
I see double, that's my trouble
Acknowledges a sense of confusion or double vision as a personal challenge
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