Bounding Main
Sailing Through Life's Tempest: The Rumjacks' Bounding Main Meaning
Lyrics
The twisted wind had caught the embers in the coal
The challenging circumstances, represented by the twisted wind, ignited the remaining sparks in the coal.
I could feel us getting warmer every day
The speaker senses a growing warmth in their relationship as time progresses.
Hid from the winter in our shelter from the cold
Seeking refuge from the harsh winter, they find solace and protection in their shared shelter.
Shut to the world we stowed ourselves away
Isolating themselves from the outside world, they conceal their connection away from external influences.
Til she said, I won't wait for you to find what you need
The partner expresses impatience, unwilling to wait for the speaker to discover what they truly need.
She wouldn't stay for me
Despite the speaker's desire for the partner to stay, she decides to leave.
Sail away sail away at the end of the day
A call to sail away at the day's end, signifying a departure from the current situation.
Rolling red sky and it's anchors aweigh
The vivid imagery of a red sky and anchors aweigh suggests a journey into the unknown.
Sail away sail away at the end of the day
A repetition emphasizing the decision to sail away, leaving behind the familiar.
So I'll kiss you goodbye and I'll sail away
A farewell kiss as the speaker embarks on their solitary journey.
The melting ice had made the rivers overflow
The rising water levels due to melting ice symbolize increasing challenges and obstacles.
The water's getting higher by the day
The water's continuous rise hints at a growing sense of adversity in their lives.
I built a raft and waited for the wind to blow
In response to the challenges, the speaker constructs a raft and waits for a favorable change in circumstances.
I set my sail for distant lands away
The speaker sets sail towards distant lands, seeking new opportunities and leaving the current difficulties behind.
And she said, don't let the rain fall til you've got a roof over your head
The partner advises not to let challenges affect the speaker until they have secured stability.
She let the strains pull free
The partner allows the strains (difficulties) to be released, possibly suggesting a willingness to let go.
Forward is away because the past is all you know
A philosophical reflection on moving forward, as dwelling in the past is limiting.
So past the breaks through the tides and wakes to get swept undertow
The speaker navigates through challenges, facing risks, and being carried away by the tides.
Into a crimson sky with clouds alight with our hopes and dreams in tow
Imagery of a crimson sky with clouds alight symbolizes a hopeful and ambitious journey with dreams in tow.
And may the albatross lead the way across the bounding main and foam
An invocation for guidance from the albatross, a maritime symbol, across the bounding main (ocean) and foam.
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