Eyes To the Wind

The War On Drugs' song 'Eyes To the Wind' is a poignant exploration of life's struggles and the emotional turbulence that accompanies them. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a journey, both literal and metaphorical, where the protagonist is sailing down the wind, meeting someone, and then falling away again. This imagery of a train in reverse down a dark road carrying a heavy load symbolizes the weight of past experiences and the difficulty of moving forward. The recurring question, 'Have you fixed your eyes to the wind?' suggests a need to face these challenges head-on, allowing the wind to guide and pull one through life's adversities.

The song delves deeper into the emotional state of the protagonist, who feels rundown and lost. The cold wind blowing down the old road and the river splitting the undertows are metaphors for the harsh realities and internal conflicts one faces. The protagonist acknowledges the difficulty of leaving the past behind, as indicated by the line, 'But it won’t be easy to leave it all again.' This struggle is further emphasized by the feeling of being a stranger to oneself, highlighting a sense of disconnection and isolation.

As the song progresses, the protagonist's journey becomes a solitary one, marked by darkness and loneliness. The repeated phrase, 'I'm just a bit rundown here at the moment,' underscores a temporary state of weariness and vulnerability. The song's melancholic tone and introspective lyrics resonate with anyone who has faced life's uncertainties and the challenge of finding one's way. 'Eyes To the Wind' ultimately serves as a reminder of the resilience required to navigate through life's storms and the importance of confronting one's inner turmoil to find a sense of direction and peace.