Restless

CocoRosie's 'Restless' is a hauntingly poetic exploration of a woman's tumultuous journey through love, loss, and self-discovery. The song paints a vivid picture of a protagonist whose heart is 'restless and ready to fight,' symbolizing her inner turmoil and relentless quest for meaning. Riding a 'white horse all blue in the moonlight,' she embodies a modern-day knight, navigating the complexities of life with grace, even when she finds herself in the wrong place at the right time. This imagery sets the stage for a narrative filled with both serendipity and sorrow, as she finds and loses love in the same breath.

The lyrics delve deeper into her struggles, portraying her as a wanderer with 'shoes fixed with glue,' a metaphor for her attempts to hold herself together despite the wear and tear of life's journey. Her 'restless soul' falls asleep at the wheel, dreaming of a better life out West with her 'rodeo clown,' a figure who represents both love and companionship. However, her dreams are marred by the harsh realities of her existence, as she walks the streets with 'bloody feet,' preaching to birds and losing her head to the voices of angels. This descent into madness underscores the emotional and psychological toll of her loveless grace and the trials she faces.

The song's narrative arc reaches a climax as she confronts the 'dirty tricks' and 'crucifix' of her past, symbolizing the betrayals and sacrifices she has endured. Her love, once blind, has shattered her mind, leading her to a state of wild abandon. She leaves behind a 'deadbeat dad' and a life of 'cuts and nicks,' trading it all for the hope of finding her true destiny. The repeated refrain of 'she lost her way' emphasizes her ongoing struggle to find herself and her place in the world. Ultimately, 'Restless' is a poignant reflection on the trials of life and the relentless pursuit of one's true path, even when it seems elusive and fraught with pain.