Two Coins

City and Colour's song 'Two Coins' delves into the introspective journey of a person grappling with their inner darkness while seeking wisdom and redemption. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a wanderer heading northwest under a golden sky, symbolizing a quest for enlightenment and understanding. This journey is not just physical but deeply spiritual, as the protagonist searches for wisdom that every man seeks to find. The northwest direction could also be a metaphor for moving towards a new beginning or a place of hope.

The song's protagonist admits to having 'wicked thoughts' and 'many evil deeds,' indicating a troubled past. Despite this, there is a yearning for a reason not to run, suggesting a desire for redemption or a way to make peace with their past actions. The recurring line, 'I've always been dark with light somewhere in the distance,' encapsulates the central theme of the song: the constant struggle between darkness and the hope for light, or redemption, that seems perpetually out of reach.

The imagery of 'two coins upon my eyelids' refers to the ancient Greek tradition of placing coins on the eyes of the deceased to pay the boatman Charon for passage to the afterlife. This symbolizes the protagonist's acceptance of their fate and the inevitability of death, yet it also underscores the hope for a journey beyond this life where they might find the wisdom and peace they seek. The song's melancholic tone and reflective lyrics resonate with anyone who has ever felt lost, unforgiving, or trapped by their own past, yet still holds onto a glimmer of hope for a brighter future.