Wave(s)
Lewis Del Mar
Embracing Freedom and Self-Discovery in 'Wave(s)' by Lewis Del Mar
Lewis Del Mar's song 'Wave(s)' is a poetic exploration of freedom, self-discovery, and the exhilarating yet terrifying nature of breaking away from societal constraints. The narrative begins with a vivid depiction of a night where the protagonists escape their 'neighborhood penitentiary,' a metaphor for the restrictive environment they are leaving behind. They drive to the coast, symbolizing a journey towards liberation and new beginnings. The act of sinking feet into the empty beach and shedding clothes represents a raw, unfiltered embrace of freedom, with the rhetorical question 'Who's gonna tell me no' underscoring their newfound autonomy.
The chorus delves deeper into the duality of freedom, describing it as both 'frightening' and 'delighting.' The imagery of 'swimming in the lightning' captures the dangerous yet thrilling essence of living without boundaries. This paradox is further emphasized with the line 'Lips against the sky now, so bold,' suggesting a fearless confrontation with the vast possibilities that freedom offers. The song also touches on the personal responsibility that comes with freedom, as highlighted by the lines 'It always tastes good when I choose it for myself' and 'When there's fire in my woods, it burns me and nobody else.' These lyrics reflect the idea that true freedom involves making choices and facing the consequences independently.
The second verse continues the theme of liberation, with the protagonist waking up in the waves, a metaphor for being immersed in the flow of life and nature. The reference to 'The Odyssey sixth chapter' evokes a sense of epic adventure and personal journey. The imagery of an 'Impressionist painting' and drawing lines with mud suggests a connection to art and nature, reinforcing the theme of finding beauty and meaning in the raw, unrefined aspects of life. The whispered line 'Paradise ain't lost it's found' encapsulates the song's message that true paradise is discovered through the courage to break free and embrace one's authentic self.