Your Protector

Fleet Foxes' song 'Your Protector' is a hauntingly beautiful piece that delves into themes of protection, secrecy, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who has been away, perhaps on a journey or a mission, and is now returning home. The repeated line 'Your protector's coming home' suggests a sense of relief and safety, as if the return of this protector will bring comfort and security to the one left behind. The use of the word 'protector' rather than a more specific term like 'lover' or 'friend' adds a layer of mystery and universality to the song, making it relatable to a wide audience.

The imagery in the song is rich and evocative, with lines like 'You walk along the stream, your head caught in a waking dream' creating a sense of dreamlike introspection. This suggests that the person left behind has been in a state of suspended reality, waiting for their protector to return. The mention of keeping secrets 'safe from the outside world' hints at a deeper, perhaps darker, narrative where the outside world is a place of danger or judgment, and the protector's role is to shield the one they care for from these external threats.

The song takes a darker turn with the lines 'As you lay to die beside me, baby, on the morning that you came,' which introduces a sense of mortality and finality. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the end of a phase or a relationship, or even a literal death. The repeated question 'Would you wait for me?' adds a layer of longing and uncertainty, as if the protector is unsure if their efforts and sacrifices will be remembered or reciprocated. The mention of running 'with the devil' and the instructions to tell family members various things adds to the song's enigmatic and somewhat foreboding atmosphere, leaving listeners with more questions than answers.