Get in the Water (feat. Steven Rodriguez)
Jorge Rivera-Herrans
A Clash of Titans: The Struggle Between Odysseus and Poseidon
In the song "Get In The Water" by Jorge Rivera-Herrans, we witness a dramatic confrontation between the Greek hero Odysseus and the god Poseidon. The lyrics are steeped in tension and conflict, capturing a pivotal moment in Odysseus's journey home after the Trojan War. Poseidon, the god of the sea, has been tormenting Odysseus for years, and now, as Odysseus nears his homeland of Ithaca, Poseidon seizes the opportunity to strike once more. The god's threats are severe, promising to drown Odysseus's wife and son and destroy Ithaca if Odysseus does not comply with his demands to enter the water.
Poseidon's insistence on maintaining his reputation and upholding his name highlights the importance of honor and fear in the ancient Greek pantheon. His threats are not mere bluffs; they are a testament to his power and the lengths he will go to assert his dominance. The repeated command to "get in the water" serves as a chilling reminder of Poseidon's control over the sea and his willingness to use it as a weapon. Odysseus's pleas for mercy and attempts to reason with Poseidon reveal his desperation and the emotional toll of his prolonged journey.
The song also delves into the theme of relentless vengeance. Poseidon's refusal to relent, despite the years of suffering both he and Odysseus have endured, underscores the destructive nature of revenge. Odysseus's question, "Aren't you tired, Poseidon?" speaks to the exhaustion and futility of their ongoing conflict. Yet, Poseidon's final declaration, "Ruthlessness is mercy upon ourselves," suggests that he sees his unyielding stance as a form of self-preservation, a way to maintain his identity and power in a world where gods and mortals are constantly at odds.