By Fire

Hiatus Kaiyote's song "By Fire" is a poetic exploration of memory, loss, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a journey, both physical and emotional, that traverses landscapes and eras. The opening lines, "Direct to the old Navajo by the fire / Wish we were burn your design," evoke a sense of ancient traditions and the desire to connect with a deeper, perhaps spiritual, past. The imagery of "Suede and hawk feather entwine me to the time / Arizona in July" further grounds the song in a specific cultural and geographical context, suggesting a connection to Native American heritage and the timelessness of the natural world.

The song's narrative continues with a bell ringing "in the chest of story told," symbolizing the resonance of past experiences and the stories that shape our identities. The mention of a funeral and a man "lost young and old" introduces themes of mortality and the cyclical nature of life. This duality of youth and age, life and death, is a recurring motif in the song, reflecting the complexity of human existence and the inevitability of change.

In the latter part of the song, the lyrics shift to a more personal and introspective tone. The lines "Regret less the knot yes I give you the end to hold / And through darkness and earth wet I seek through the land to mould" suggest a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. The imagery of a woman resting "night and day, sweat and tears unfold" speaks to the emotional labor involved in confronting and embracing one's burdens. Ultimately, the song is a meditation on the interconnectedness of past and present, the enduring impact of our experiences, and the transformative power of memory and storytelling.