If I Had A Boat

James Vincent McMorrow's 'If I Had A Boat' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of longing, loss, and the search for solace. The song opens with vivid imagery of a 'golden river' and the transition from day to night, setting a melancholic tone. This natural imagery serves as a metaphor for the passage of time and the inevitable changes it brings. The recurring theme of being 'lost' underscores a sense of disorientation and yearning for something or someone that feels out of reach.

The chorus, 'If I had a boat, I would sail to you,' encapsulates the core of the song's emotional landscape. The boat symbolizes a means of escape and a way to bridge the distance between the narrator and their desired destination, whether it be a person or a state of mind. The repeated mention of a dream that 'died long before' suggests a past filled with unfulfilled aspirations and broken promises. Yet, the narrator remains hopeful, 'pointed north, hoping for the shore,' indicating a persistent search for stability and peace.

Throughout the song, McMorrow uses contrasting elements like 'weeds' and 'lilies,' 'soft clay,' and 'thorn rows' to illustrate the complexities of life and relationships. The lines 'Sea is not my friend / And everyone conspires' reflect a sense of betrayal and struggle, yet the narrator chooses to 'swim' and 'slip beneath the tide,' signifying resilience and a willingness to face challenges head-on. The song concludes with a poignant reflection on the past and a recognition that 'this is not the end,' but rather a continuation of life's journey, filled with both foolishness and honesty.