Tidal Wave
Navigating Life's Tides: The Hidden Messages in 'Tidal Wave' by The Mountain Goats
Lyrics
One, two
Introduction, counting off beats in preparation.
One, two
Continuation of the musical setup.
It's not the barnacles that do all the damage
Highlighting that barnacles aren't the main source of damage.
Figure this out too late
Realization that understanding came too late.
It's not the destination that makes the difference
Emphasizing that the destination isn't crucial; it's the journey (freight) that matters.
It's the freight
Underlining the importance of the process over the goal.
Everything becomes a blur from six feet away
Things become unclear from a distance, possibly referring to emotional detachment.
Get used to this
Encouragement or acceptance of a situation that may be difficult.
Every card ever turned over remains in play
Every action has consequences, and decisions echo through time.
Get used to this
Reiteration of the persistence of consequences.
Not every wave is a tidal wave
Not all challenges or problems are overwhelming (tidal waves).
Not every wave is a tidal wave
Repetition for emphasis on the variability of challenges.
It's not the mutiny that gets written down in the diary
Documentation often focuses on significant events (mutiny) rather than the underlying issues (manifest).
It's the manifest
Importance of what is officially recorded.
Forgotten cargo in obsolete measurements
Forgotten or neglected aspects are measured by outdated standards, making outcomes uncertain.
Anybody's guess
The unpredictable nature of results.
Even the proud, even the very proud
Even those with pride may face challenges and hardships.
Probably die on their knees
Predicting a difficult end for those who are proud.
Twin masts out on the open seas
Reference to ships (twin masts) mistaken for something else, possibly a metaphor for misjudgment.
Mistaken for trees
Mistaken identity leading to unforeseen consequences.
Not every wave is a tidal wave
Reiteration that not all challenges are overwhelming.
Not every wave is a tidal wave
Repeating the idea that challenges vary in intensity.
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