Fisherman's Blues

The Waterboys' song 'Fisherman's Blues' is a poetic expression of longing for freedom and escape from the burdens of life. The lyrics convey a deep desire to break away from the constraints of the mundane and the painful memories that tie one down. The fisherman's life is romanticized as one of simplicity and connection with nature, where the only ceiling is the 'starry sky above.' This symbolizes an unbounded existence, free from the pressures and limitations of society.

The second verse shifts the metaphor to that of a brakeman on a train, hurtling through the heartland with a sense of purpose and vitality. The imagery of the 'hurtlin' fevered train' and the 'cannon in the rain' evokes a sense of unstoppable momentum and the thrill of moving forward, away from the past. The 'beating of the sleepers' and the 'burnin' of the coal' suggest a rhythm and energy that is both exhilarating and relentless, much like life itself.

Ultimately, the song speaks to a universal human desire for liberation and the pursuit of a life filled with passion and love. The repeated lines 'With light in my head, You in my arms' suggest that the narrator's ideal state of being includes both enlightenment and companionship. The song is a hopeful anthem for those who dream of casting off their chains and embracing a life of adventure and love, with the belief that such a transformation is not only possible but inevitable.