Back To The Ground

The Crane Wives' song 'Back To The Ground' is a poignant exploration of emotional exhaustion and the desire for simplicity after a tumultuous relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who feels used and discarded, much like a book collecting dust on a shelf. This metaphor of a worn-out book symbolizes the narrator's sense of being overlooked and undervalued, despite holding deep knowledge and memories of the other person. The imagery of a bent spine and spent binding further emphasizes the physical and emotional toll the relationship has taken on the narrator.

The song delves into the theme of unfulfilled efforts and the struggle to let go. The narrator describes planting seeds and nurturing them, only to see the flowers fail to grow. This metaphor reflects the futile attempts to sustain the relationship and the inevitable realization that it cannot flourish. The line 'I still don't know shit about letting go' captures the narrator's internal conflict and the difficulty of moving on from something that once held so much promise.

As the song progresses, the narrator's plea to be 'given back to the ground' signifies a longing for release and a return to a state of simplicity and peace. The repeated refrain underscores the desire to be free from the burdens of the past and to find solace in the natural cycle of life. The imagery of hearts lying still and cold under frozen soil evokes a sense of finality and acceptance, as the narrator acknowledges the end of the relationship and the need to move forward. 'Back To The Ground' is a hauntingly beautiful reflection on the pain of letting go and the hope for renewal and grounding in the aftermath of emotional turmoil.