Song meaning of New River by The Oh Hellos

"New River" by The Oh Hellos is a powerful and introspective song that delves into themes of transformation, resilience, and rebirth. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of nature's unstoppable forces and draw parallels to the human experience of facing challenges and overcoming obstacles.

The opening lines, "It took forever and a day for the canyons and coasts to erode away," set the tone for the song, highlighting the gradual yet inevitable process of change. The imagery of the ocean's cyclical motion eroding the landscape speaks to the idea that change is a natural and necessary part of life. The repetition of the phrase "Let it come down, let it come down, let it make in you a new river" emphasizes the idea of embracing change and allowing it to shape and renew oneself.

The lyrics also touch on the feeling of being overwhelmed by life's challenges, as seen in the lines, "I know the winds from the south have the waves riled up like a hungry mouth, and your stomach goes hollow at the thought that it could swallow you whole." This sense of impending danger and uncertainty is contrasted with the idea that, like a river weathering a storm, one can emerge stronger and transformed from adversity.

Overall, "New River" is a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of embracing change. The song encourages listeners to let go of fear and resistance, and instead, allow themselves to be shaped and renewed by life's inevitable ebbs and flows.