Persimmon

The song 'Persimmon' by The Army, The Navy delves into the complexities of emotional experiences and personal growth. The persimmon, a fruit that takes time to ripen, serves as a metaphor for patience and the slow process of understanding oneself and others. The opening lines, 'Said you don't like persimmon / But the shade is quite nice,' suggest a dichotomy between outward appearances and deeper, more nuanced feelings. The use of 'colorful language' as a 'shy way to slight' indicates a struggle with communication and the subtleties of expressing discontent or dissatisfaction.

The imagery of dressing in orange, a color associated with the persimmon, and feeling out of place, 'But it doesn't look right,' reflects the internal conflict and the effort to fit into a certain mold or expectation. The frozen lake symbolizes a period of stagnation or emotional numbness, 'I woke up numb / In more ways than one,' highlighting a sense of disconnection from oneself and the world. This numbness is not just a physical sensation but a pervasive emotional state, 'I see it in all faces now, now,' indicating a broader existential realization.

The song also touches on themes of resilience and the search for meaning in seemingly trivial aspects of life, 'Legend has it, I'm sentimental / I hold a strong belief in / All things inconsequential.' The reference to a 'highway fire' as a sign to 'turn around' suggests a moment of reckoning and the need for change. The closing lines, 'If you practice your patience / Maybe one day you'll know / Why I dress in this orange / Why I'm taking it slow,' encapsulate the overarching message of the song: the importance of patience and self-discovery in navigating life's emotional landscapes.