On Children

Damien Rice's song 'On Children' is a profound meditation on the relationship between parents and their children. The lyrics, inspired by a passage from Kahlil Gibran's 'The Prophet,' emphasize the idea that children are not possessions of their parents but rather individuals with their own destinies. The song opens with the assertion that children 'are the sons and daughters of life's longing for itself,' suggesting that they are manifestations of life's inherent desire to continue and evolve. This perspective shifts the focus from ownership to stewardship, encouraging parents to respect their children's autonomy and individuality.

The song further explores the limitations of parental influence. While parents can provide love and shelter, they cannot control their children's thoughts or souls. The metaphor of housing their bodies but not their souls highlights the transient nature of parental guidance. The souls of children 'dwell in the house of tomorrow,' a place that parents cannot access, symbolizing the future and the unknown paths their children will take. This imagery serves as a reminder that each generation must forge its own way, independent of the past.

In the final verses, Rice uses the metaphor of the bow and arrow to illustrate the dynamic between parents and children. Parents are the bows, and children are the arrows sent forth into the world. The archer, representing a higher power or the force of life, bends the bow to launch the arrow towards its destiny. This bending should be done with gladness, acknowledging that both the bow and the arrow are loved and valued. The song concludes with a message of acceptance and joy in the natural progression of life, urging parents to find happiness in their role as supporters rather than directors of their children's journeys.