River

Andre Matos' song 'River' is a poignant exploration of emotional intimacy and the complexities of understanding another person's inner world. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a fantastical, almost utopian realm where childhood memories and dreams blend seamlessly with reality. This world, filled with 'apple trees and flowers never fading,' symbolizes a place of innocence and untainted joy, a stark contrast to the emotional turbulence that the narrator experiences.

The recurring metaphor of a river represents the tears and emotional struggles of the person the narrator is trying to connect with. Lines like 'sometimes I'm drowning in the rivers that you cry' and 'sometimes I'm sinking while I try to relate to your mind' highlight the challenges of empathizing with someone else's pain. The river, a powerful and uncontrollable force, symbolizes the overwhelming nature of these emotions, making it difficult for the narrator to stay afloat and maintain their own sense of self.

Despite these challenges, there is a sense of hope and determination in the song. The narrator speaks of 'saving all the tears you cry to fill a sea of sadness,' suggesting a willingness to endure and collect these emotional experiences. The imagery of flying and looking down at 'the waves of pain' from above signifies a transcendence of these struggles, a journey towards understanding and mutual healing. The song ultimately conveys a message of resilience and the transformative power of love and empathy, even when faced with the most daunting emotional currents.