Glacier

James Vincent McMorrow's song 'Glacier' is a haunting exploration of inner conflict and the slow, often painful process of self-discovery. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with their own truths and lies, caught in a state of emotional reeling. The recurring imagery of a glacier moving slowly south of the river in the heart of winter serves as a powerful metaphor for the protagonist's journey through a cold, isolating period of introspection and transformation.

The song's opening lines, 'Somewhere here's a liar / Somewhere underneath,' suggest a deep-seated deception or self-deception that the protagonist is trying to uncover. This theme of uncovering hidden truths is further emphasized by the lines 'Caught between the reeling / Mirroring the beat,' indicating a struggle to find balance and clarity amidst chaos. The desire to 'go south of the river' and 'face it alone' in the heart of winter symbolizes a retreat into solitude to confront these inner demons and emerge stronger.

McMorrow's use of natural imagery, such as 'damp and clawing evening' and 'bursting into tune,' evokes a sense of raw, untamed emotion. The mention of a 'forest they had started living near' and an 'island we had sighted sheared its banks and disappeared' adds to the feeling of loss and disorientation. The protagonist's journey is one of shedding old identities and confronting new realities, as seen in the lines 'I was someone else / I was something pure.' The song ultimately captures the slow, arduous process of personal growth and the courage it takes to face one's fears and uncertainties alone.

The repetition of the chorus underscores the persistent desire for change and the need to face challenges head-on. 'Glacier' is a poignant reflection on the human condition, illustrating how we must often endure periods of cold isolation and self-examination to find our true selves and move forward in life.