Run River

Jon Swift's 'Run River' is a poetic exploration of the journey of the soul, using the metaphor of a river to symbolize the passage of life and the quest for a final resting place. The river, a timeless symbol of life's flow, carries the narrator towards the ocean, representing the ultimate destination or home. This journey is not just physical but deeply spiritual, suggesting a longing for peace and a return to a place of origin or belonging.

The lyrics evoke a sense of companionship and solace found in nature, particularly in the stars that 'make you feel like you got friends.' This line suggests that even in solitude, there is a connection to the universe that provides comfort and a sense of belonging. The stars, often seen as guides or symbols of hope, reinforce the idea that the journey, though solitary, is not lonely. The narrator finds peace in the natural world, following the 'empty valley' and the 'marshes of the estuary,' which symbolize the various stages and challenges of life.

The recurring theme of running and the hope of dying 'beneath the ocean' speaks to a desire for eternal rest and unity with the natural world. The river's continuous flow towards the ocean mirrors the human desire for continuity and an everlasting connection with something greater than oneself. The final line, 'And at this river we'll forever run,' encapsulates the idea of an eternal journey, suggesting that the soul's quest for peace and belonging is an ongoing process, even beyond physical death.