Tidal

Noah Kahan's song "Tidal" delves into the emotional turbulence of feeling lost and isolated, using the metaphor of the sea to explore these themes. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who feels adrift, both physically and emotionally. The opening lines, "You knew me in my spiral / Happiness tidal / It comes and it goes," set the tone for the song, suggesting that happiness is fleeting and unpredictable, much like the tides. This sets the stage for the protagonist's journey into deeper waters, symbolizing a descent into introspection and solitude.

The recurring imagery of building a boat and drifting alone underscores the theme of self-imposed isolation. The lines, "So I guess I'll build a boat and live alone / Lord, I'll be the lost one," reflect a resignation to solitude as a means of coping with inner turmoil. The act of teaching oneself to swim and living in one's head signifies a journey of self-discovery and an attempt to make sense of chaotic thoughts. The protagonist seems to accept that they may never reach a metaphorical 'land' or a state of complete peace, but they find solace in the journey itself.

The song also touches on the weight of unfulfilled dreams and the struggle to find one's place in the world. The lines, "And it wears me out / All the demons underneath the tide," highlight the internal battles that come with chasing dreams and dealing with personal demons. The sea, with its stormy and unpredictable nature, serves as a powerful metaphor for the protagonist's emotional state. Despite the challenges, there is a sense of acceptance and resilience, as the protagonist is willing to drift until the end, finding a form of peace in their solitary journey.