How To Rest

The Crane Wives' song 'How To Rest' delves into the complexities of love, loss, and the human heart's relentless pursuit of connection. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone attempting to build emotional walls, symbolized by 'stacking cinder blocks' and creating a 'citadel amid the foothills of regret.' This imagery suggests a person trying to protect themselves from the pain of past experiences, yet the song reveals that such efforts are ultimately futile.

The chorus emphasizes the essential human need for warmth, connection, and purpose. The lines 'You'll miss the Sun / The warmth of another's embrace' highlight the inherent loneliness that comes with isolating oneself. The song suggests that the very fears driving one to seek isolation will eventually coax them out, as the desire for love and connection is too strong to ignore. The repeated assertion that 'love don't know how to rest' underscores the idea that love is an unstoppable force, one that cannot be simply put aside or forgotten.

In the latter part of the song, the lyrics take on a more philosophical tone, reflecting on the nature of the heart and its independence from our conscious decisions. The heart is described as 'just a muscle with a rhythm all its own,' emphasizing that it continues to beat and seek connection regardless of our attempts to control it. The song concludes with a poignant reminder that 'love's the only thing worth being alive for,' reinforcing the message that love is an essential, unyielding part of the human experience.

'How To Rest' by The Crane Wives is a powerful exploration of the human condition, capturing the tension between the desire for self-protection and the undeniable need for love and connection. The song's rich metaphors and emotional depth make it a compelling reflection on the resilience of the human heart.