On The Border

Al Stewart's song 'On The Border' is a poignant exploration of change, conflict, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint vivid imagery of fishing boats smuggling arms across the Spanish border, set against the backdrop of a turbulent sea and a ghostly moon. This scene sets the tone for a narrative that delves into the complexities of political unrest and the clandestine activities that often accompany it. The border, both a physical and metaphorical line, represents the threshold between stability and chaos, peace and conflict.

The song also reflects on the broader theme of change, particularly in the context of the narrator's personal history. The mention of maps with running colors and winds from Africa hint at a world in flux, where old boundaries and customs are dissolving. The torches flaring up in the night symbolize rebellion and the spread of revolutionary ideas. This imagery suggests a world on the brink of transformation, where the old ways are being challenged and new paradigms are emerging.

In the latter part of the song, the narrator reflects on the changes in their own village and islands, noting how everything seems different yet eerily familiar. The 'spirit of the century' knocking at the window serves as a metaphor for the inevitable march of time and the societal shifts that come with it. The song's repetition of 'on the border' underscores the sense of standing at a critical juncture, where the past and future converge, and the outcome remains uncertain. Al Stewart's evocative lyrics and haunting melody capture the essence of living in a world where change is the only constant, and the border is both a place of danger and possibility.