Only Our Rivers Run Free
Freedom's Melody: Only Our Rivers Run Free
Lyrics
When apples still grow in November
Symbolic expression of an unusual or difficult situation, as apples don't typically grow in November.
When blossoms still bloom from each tree
Highlighting a state of vitality and life in nature, represented by blossoming trees even in an unexpected season.
Where leaves are still green in December
Emphasizing the persistence of life and vibrancy, using the unusual image of green leaves in December.
It's then that our land will be free
Hope for freedom for the land, suggesting it will come under specific conditions.
I wander her hills and her valleys
Expressing personal exploration of the land's geography.
And still through my sorrow I see
Despite personal sorrow, the speaker perceives a land that has not experienced freedom.
A land that has never known freedom
Describing the historical lack of freedom in the land.
And only her rivers run free
Symbolic imagery depicting the only thing that flows freely is the rivers, implying the lack of freedom in other aspects.
I drink to the death of her manhood
Toasting the death of manhood, likely referring to sacrifices made for the cause of freedom.
Those men who'd rather have died
Commending those who chose death over a life of bondage.
Than to live in the cold chains of bondage
Expressing the preference for death over living in oppression and the fight for denied rights.
To bring back their rights were denied
Asking where these brave individuals are in the current struggle for freedom.
Oh, were are you now when we need you?
Questioning the absence of past heroes in the present time of need.
What burns were the flame used to be?
Reflecting on the loss of the fervor and passion that once existed.
Are you gone like snows of last winter?
Suggesting the disappearance of past struggles, akin to melting snows.
And will only our rivers run free?
(Refrain)
How sweet is life but we're crying
Contrasting the sweetness of life with the current state of sorrow.
How mellow the wine but it's dry
Contrasting the mellowness of wine with its unavailability, possibly due to the struggle for freedom.
How fragrant the rose but it's dying
Metaphorically comparing the dying rose to fading hope or life.
How gentle the breeze but it sighs
Describing the gentle breeze with a sigh, possibly indicating a collective longing or sadness.
What good is in youth when it's ageing?
Raising questions about the value of youth when it inevitably ages.
What joy is in eyes that can't see?
Questioning the joy in eyes that can't perceive, possibly alluding to a lack of awareness or vision.
When there's sorrow in sunshine and flowers
Highlighting sorrow coexisting with sunshine and flowers, indicating the persistent struggle for freedom.
And still only our rivers run free
Reiterating the theme that, despite all, only the rivers continue to flow freely.
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