Perceptions Change, So Does a Song - #acnotes

How a song could mean different things at different times - Iron and Wine's Tree by the River

Lately, I’ve been re-reading old books and re-listening to old songs. Some with a reasonable interval of few years and some over a span of months. So, here’s what I had written about this song from Iron and Wine’s Tree by the rive some time last year.

Version 1

This doesn't happen too often, but when it does that feeling lingers. No locking gazes, just a fleeting glance. And when you do it's like at the right time, at the right place and well, if it's with the right person? (Some times that's debatable). Yet, you're pushed down a spiral staircase, the descent is well slowed down. And maybe, you might never ever see that person again. But you're lying down, flat out and pondering. Now that's how this song is. You listen to it once and it leaves you with so many thoughts and questions. Rekindles some quite old emotions you didn't know were lying low until now. It's the song writer talking to you as though he's talking to Mary Anne. Some lines that really hit hard:

"I recall the sun in our faces,

Stuck and leanin' on braces

and being strangers to change."

then there's

"Time isn't kind or unkind, you liked to say

But I wonder to who

What it is you're saying today."

Few songs have managed to do that. And this is one such song. Well, would you make that eye contact again with that person again and would that trigger a similar descent? Debatable. Maybe, not in most cases. But thankfully, this is a song. And you might what to listen to it again.

Well, you could click on this link and listen to this song once. If you have the patience, read the above note once again while you listen. Well, it could be worth the experience. Give it a try, please.

The whole point of writing this post is not just to share about mindfully listening to a song or an album, but this is also a note to myself. I will revisit this song later on. If I find something new, I will update in the same post. The whole point being - any work of art evolves or grows alongside its viewer/listener/audience. So, when I happened to listen to this song again a few weeks back here is an alternate meaning or reflection I could gather.

Version 2

I've already written about this song, but again, I had to revisit this song since I felt I was missing something in plain sight. Tonight, it struck me when I listened to it again. Of course he's talking to Mary Anne. And whatever lyrics I shared earlier that resonated with me. While all of the aforementioned is quite profound, the core meaning of the song is hidden in the song title itself.

What if he's referring to his treasured moments or his memories as the tree by the river. An indelible memory that sustains itself every single time he thinks of it. A moment from the past that has become an entity by itself or a go-to destination where he finds some solace. If I recall correctly there's a reference to the 'tree by the river'* in the book of Jeremiah from the Bible. A metaphor that emphasizes about it flourishing regardless of whatever the weather conditions. Similarly, here it's those days with Mary Anne that remain, come what may.

In a world where some: cling onto souvenirs, tattoo a name or a portrait onto their skin, few bottle up the scent, some cling to a photograph or a note -- there still are those who treasure one or two moments or words said. And they outlast everything.

So, is there a song you’ve listened to more than once and you’ve discovered a new meaning to it on repeat listens? Is there a line from a song, which you felt more personal and wish to share its meaning with us? Feel free to post it in the comments.

Also, if there’s a song you want me to listen and talk about (hopefully, it’s in the language I know), you could message your request too.

*"like a tree planted by the waters, That spreads out its roots by the river; And will not fear the heat when it comes; But its leaves will be green and moist. And it will not be anxious and concerned in a year of drought Nor stop bearing fruit."

#acnotes