Ghosts

James Vincent McMorrow's song 'Ghosts' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of transience, nature, and the ethereal presence of the past. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world where the moon illuminates the path, yet the bird, a symbol of freedom and life, is unable to fly. This imagery sets the tone for the song, suggesting a sense of loss and longing. The bird without its wings is described as 'a low and tragic thing,' emphasizing the sorrow that comes with unfulfilled potential and the weight of being grounded when one is meant to soar.

The recurring line 'We are ghosts amongst these hills' serves as a poignant metaphor for the ephemeral nature of human existence. McMorrow likens people to ghosts, suggesting that we are transient beings passing through the landscapes of our lives. The 'trees of velvet green' and the 'ground beneath our feet' symbolize the natural world that endures even as we come and go. This connection to nature is further emphasized by the imagery of pressing out along the shore, evoking the relentless and cyclical movement of the tides, much like the cycles of life and death.

In the latter part of the song, McMorrow introduces the 'mountain song,' which 'matters not the thoughts of thirds' but only to be heard. This line suggests that the essence of existence is not in the complexities or the judgments of others but in the simple act of being and expressing oneself. The promise of return in the Spring, when the harvest can begin, offers a glimmer of hope and renewal. It implies that even though we may be ghosts now, there is a cyclical nature to life, and new beginnings are always on the horizon. 'Ghosts' is a contemplative and introspective piece that invites listeners to reflect on their own impermanence and the beauty of the natural world that surrounds them.