Pisces Fish
George Harrison
The Flow of Life: George Harrison's 'Pisces Fish'
George Harrison's song 'Pisces Fish' is a reflective and introspective piece that delves into the complexities of life, spirituality, and the search for inner peace. The song is rich with imagery and metaphors, painting a vivid picture of the world around him while simultaneously exploring his inner thoughts and feelings. The recurring motif of the 'Pisces fish' symbolizes Harrison's astrological sign and his connection to water, which represents the flow of life and the soul's journey through it.
The lyrics describe various scenes from everyday life, such as rowers on a river, geese along the bank, and old ladies walking their dogs. These mundane activities are juxtaposed with more profound reflections, such as the farmer's lament about his mad cows and the brewery's smoke signals. These contrasts highlight the duality of existence, where the ordinary and the extraordinary coexist. The line 'I'm Pisces fish and the river runs through my soul' suggests a deep, intrinsic connection to the natural world and a sense of being carried along by the currents of life.
Harrison also touches on themes of spirituality and the search for meaning. The mention of a temple on an island and the idea of finding gods in the deepest silence point to a quest for spiritual enlightenment. The desire to 'get off of this big wheel' reflects a yearning to escape the cyclical nature of life and find a more profound, unbounded ocean of bliss. This spiritual journey is further emphasized by the lines about swimming until finding those waters that flow through everyone, indicating a universal connection and the potential for inner peace that is often overlooked.
The song's introspective nature is encapsulated in the final verses, where Harrison acknowledges the contradictions in life. He describes his existence as sometimes feeling like fiction and other times serene, embodying the duality of human experience. The metaphor of being a 'Pisces fish' swimming through the river of his soul serves as a powerful reminder of the continuous flow of life and the importance of seeking deeper understanding and harmony within oneself.