The River

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard's song 'The River' is a mesmerizing exploration of trust, transformation, and the natural flow of life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a journey down a river, which serves as a powerful metaphor for life's unpredictable and often uncontrollable nature. The river, with its flowing water and rippling currents, symbolizes the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The repeated phrase 'floated down' emphasizes a sense of surrender and acceptance, suggesting that sometimes the best course of action is to go with the flow and trust in the journey.

The imagery of the river being 'frozen' introduces a contrast between movement and stillness, highlighting moments of stagnation or obstacles that one might encounter. However, the lyrics also convey a sense of resilience and faith, as the protagonist trusts that the river will 'deliver' them to where they need to be. This trust in the natural course of the river can be seen as a broader commentary on the importance of faith and patience in the face of life's challenges.

The song's repetitive structure and hypnotic rhythm mirror the continuous and cyclical nature of the river, reinforcing the idea that life is a series of ebbs and flows. The mention of 'melt your little zone' and 'sink into the waterfall flow' suggests a release of control and an embrace of the unknown. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, known for their eclectic and experimental style, use 'The River' to invite listeners into a meditative state, encouraging them to reflect on their own journeys and the importance of trusting the process.