Pissing In a River

Patti Smith's 'Pissing In a River' is a raw and evocative exploration of love, loss, and existential despair. The song opens with the striking image of 'pissing in a river,' a metaphor that suggests futility and the feeling of being overwhelmed by emotions. The river, a powerful and uncontrollable force, symbolizes the flow of life and the inevitability of change. As Smith watches the river rise, she reflects on the transient nature of relationships and the struggle to hold onto something that is slipping away.

The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and metaphors that convey a deep sense of longing and desperation. The repeated calls to 'come back' highlight the yearning for a lost connection, while the references to being both a 'slave' and 'free' suggest the paradoxical nature of love—how it can both liberate and imprison. Smith's use of bodily imagery, such as 'excreting your soul,' underscores the physical and emotional toll of this unreciprocated love. The questions she poses—'Should I pursue a path so twisted?' and 'Should I crawl defeated and gifted?'—reflect her inner turmoil and the uncertainty of whether to continue fighting for this love or to let it go.

The song's climax is marked by a series of rhetorical questions—'What about it?'—which convey a sense of frustration and helplessness. Smith's repetition of these questions emphasizes the cyclical nature of her thoughts and the inescapable loop of doubt and desire. The final line, 'Oh, I'm pissing in a river,' brings the song full circle, reinforcing the theme of futility and the relentless passage of time. Through her powerful and poetic lyrics, Patti Smith captures the complexity of human emotions and the often-painful journey of love and self-discovery.