Meaning and Lyrics of If I Had a Boat by James Vincent McMorrow
Song Lyrics meaning of If I Had a Boat by James Vincent McMorrow
About James Vincent McMorrow
James Vincent McMorrow is an Irish singer-songwriter who burst onto the indie folk scene in 2010 with his hauntingly beautiful debut album, “Early in the Morning.” Born in Dublin in 1983, McMorrow’s journey into music began relatively late, as he only started playing guitar at age 19.
Known for his ethereal falsetto and introspective lyrics, McMorrow’s sound has evolved from intimate folk to encompass elements of R&B, electronica, and neo-soul. His sophomore album, “Post Tropical” (2014), marked a significant departure from his folksy roots, showcasing a more experimental and soulful direction.
McMorrow’s track “If I Had a Boat” perfectly exemplifies his early style – a delicate, acoustic-driven ballad that showcases his gossamer vocals and poetic lyricism. The song, featured on his debut album, helped establish him as a rising star in the indie folk world.
Over the years, McMorrow has continued to push his artistic boundaries, collaborating with electronic producers and exploring more diverse sonic landscapes. His later albums, including “We Move” (2016) and “Grapefruit Season” (2021), cement his reputation as an artist unafraid to evolve and challenge expectations.
McMorrow’s unique blend of vulnerability, musical experimentation, and that unmistakable falsetto has earned him critical acclaim and a devoted fan base, solidifying his place as one of Ireland’s most intriguing musical exports of the past decade.
Known for his ethereal falsetto and introspective lyrics, McMorrow’s sound has evolved from intimate folk to encompass elements of R&B, electronica, and neo-soul. His sophomore album, “Post Tropical” (2014), marked a significant departure from his folksy roots, showcasing a more experimental and soulful direction.
McMorrow’s track “If I Had a Boat” perfectly exemplifies his early style – a delicate, acoustic-driven ballad that showcases his gossamer vocals and poetic lyricism. The song, featured on his debut album, helped establish him as a rising star in the indie folk world.
Over the years, McMorrow has continued to push his artistic boundaries, collaborating with electronic producers and exploring more diverse sonic landscapes. His later albums, including “We Move” (2016) and “Grapefruit Season” (2021), cement his reputation as an artist unafraid to evolve and challenge expectations.
McMorrow’s unique blend of vulnerability, musical experimentation, and that unmistakable falsetto has earned him critical acclaim and a devoted fan base, solidifying his place as one of Ireland’s most intriguing musical exports of the past decade.
Meaning of If I Had a Boat by James Vincent McMorrow
“If I Had a Boat” by James Vincent McMorrow is a song filled with poignant imagery and emotional depth. The lyrics evoke feelings of yearning, nostalgia, and a sense of longing for connection and redemption.
The song starts by describing a golden river running eastward, symbolizing a journey towards the unknown and the passage of time. The mention of the moon and the sun creates a contrast between darkness and light, perhaps representing the ups and downs of life’s experiences.
The repeated motif of burning, roads, and city meeting the sky suggests themes of growth, transformation, and self-discovery. The singer reflects on the passage of time and the fear of remaining stagnant, longing for change and connection.
The metaphor of the boat becomes a symbol of escape and a means of reaching a loved one. The dream that died long before could represent lost opportunities or broken promises, leading the singer to navigate towards a new direction, hoping to find solace and redemption.
As the song progresses, the imagery of weeds, lilies, and birds conveys a sense of nature reclaiming its space, mirroring the singer’s inner turmoil and search for clarity. The struggle portrayed through the splitting seams and heaving brace symbolizes the internal conflict and emotional weight the singer carries.
The sea being described as not a friend and the choice to swim beneath the tide suggest a sense of alienation and defiance against external forces. The acknowledgment of lost dreams and hopes, juxtaposed with the acceptance that this is just a part of the world, reflects a bittersweet realization of life’s complexities.
The song concludes with a sense of resilience and vulnerability, as the singer acknowledges their past, mistakes, and hopes for the future. The final repetition of the chorus underscores the yearning for connection and the desire for authenticity and truth in relationships.
Overall, “If I Had a Boat” is a reflective and introspective song that delves into themes of longing, redemption, and the complexities of human emotions. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt lyrics, James Vincent McMorrow crafts a narrative that resonates with the universal experiences of loss, hope, and the search for meaning in life.
The song starts by describing a golden river running eastward, symbolizing a journey towards the unknown and the passage of time. The mention of the moon and the sun creates a contrast between darkness and light, perhaps representing the ups and downs of life’s experiences.
The repeated motif of burning, roads, and city meeting the sky suggests themes of growth, transformation, and self-discovery. The singer reflects on the passage of time and the fear of remaining stagnant, longing for change and connection.
The metaphor of the boat becomes a symbol of escape and a means of reaching a loved one. The dream that died long before could represent lost opportunities or broken promises, leading the singer to navigate towards a new direction, hoping to find solace and redemption.
As the song progresses, the imagery of weeds, lilies, and birds conveys a sense of nature reclaiming its space, mirroring the singer’s inner turmoil and search for clarity. The struggle portrayed through the splitting seams and heaving brace symbolizes the internal conflict and emotional weight the singer carries.
The sea being described as not a friend and the choice to swim beneath the tide suggest a sense of alienation and defiance against external forces. The acknowledgment of lost dreams and hopes, juxtaposed with the acceptance that this is just a part of the world, reflects a bittersweet realization of life’s complexities.
The song concludes with a sense of resilience and vulnerability, as the singer acknowledges their past, mistakes, and hopes for the future. The final repetition of the chorus underscores the yearning for connection and the desire for authenticity and truth in relationships.
Overall, “If I Had a Boat” is a reflective and introspective song that delves into themes of longing, redemption, and the complexities of human emotions. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt lyrics, James Vincent McMorrow crafts a narrative that resonates with the universal experiences of loss, hope, and the search for meaning in life.
Lyrics of If I Had a Boat by James Vincent McMorrow
Golden, golden, golden river run
To the East then drop beneath the sun
And as the moon lies low and overhead
We're lost
Burn slow, burning up the back wall
Long roads, where the city meets the sky
Most days, most days stay the sole same
Please stay, for this fear it will not die
If I had a boat, I would sail to you
Hold you in my arms, ask you to be true
Once I had a dream, it died long before
Now I'm pointed north, hoping for the shore
Down low, down amongst the thorn rows
Weeds grow, through the lilies and the vine
Birds play, try to find their own way
Soft clay, on your feet and under mine
If I had a boat, I would sail to you
Hold you in my arms, ask you to be true
Once I had a dream, it died long before
Now I'm pointed north, hoping for the shore
Splitting at the seams
Heaving at the brace
Sheets all billowing
Breaking of the day
Sea is not my friend
And everyone conspires
Still I choose to swim
Slip beneath the tide
Once I had a dream
Once I had a hope
That was yesterday
Not so long ago
This is not the end
This is just the world
Such a foolish thing
Such an honest girl
If I had a boat, I would sail to you
Hold you in my arms, ask you to be true
Once I had a dream, it died long before
Now I'm pointed north, hoping for the shore
To the East then drop beneath the sun
And as the moon lies low and overhead
We're lost
Burn slow, burning up the back wall
Long roads, where the city meets the sky
Most days, most days stay the sole same
Please stay, for this fear it will not die
If I had a boat, I would sail to you
Hold you in my arms, ask you to be true
Once I had a dream, it died long before
Now I'm pointed north, hoping for the shore
Down low, down amongst the thorn rows
Weeds grow, through the lilies and the vine
Birds play, try to find their own way
Soft clay, on your feet and under mine
If I had a boat, I would sail to you
Hold you in my arms, ask you to be true
Once I had a dream, it died long before
Now I'm pointed north, hoping for the shore
Splitting at the seams
Heaving at the brace
Sheets all billowing
Breaking of the day
Sea is not my friend
And everyone conspires
Still I choose to swim
Slip beneath the tide
Once I had a dream
Once I had a hope
That was yesterday
Not so long ago
This is not the end
This is just the world
Such a foolish thing
Such an honest girl
If I had a boat, I would sail to you
Hold you in my arms, ask you to be true
Once I had a dream, it died long before
Now I'm pointed north, hoping for the shore
Discography James Vincent McMorrow
Wide open, horses
Release: 2024-06-14
Label: Nettwerk Music Group
Popularity: 👏👏
The Less I Knew
Release: 2022-06-24
Label: Nettwerk Music Group
Popularity: 👏
Grapefruit Season
Release: 2021-09-17
Label: Columbia
Popularity: 👏
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Wide open, horses
Release: 2024-06-14
Label: Nettwerk Music Group
Popularity: 👏👏
The Less I Knew
Release: 2022-06-24
Label: Nettwerk Music Group
Popularity: 👏
Grapefruit Season
Release: 2021-09-17
Label: Columbia
Popularity: 👏
