Fortune

William Fitzsimmons' song 'Fortune' delves into the complex interplay of loss, memory, and the search for meaning amidst life's transitions. The opening lines, 'There's fortune in the furlough / On the other side,' suggest a period of pause or separation that holds potential or hidden value. This furlough, or break, is depicted as a time to wrap oneself in blankets, symbolizing comfort and protection during a challenging journey, metaphorically represented by 'the crossing of a bridge so wide, so high.' This imagery evokes a sense of daunting change and the need for resilience.

The second verse, 'It's murky in the meadow / As we draw in the lines we threw,' introduces a sense of confusion and reflection. The meadow, typically a place of peace, is now murky, indicating uncertainty. The act of drawing in lines suggests revisiting past actions or decisions, perhaps with a sense of regret or reconsideration. 'Leveraging the ledgers / Forgetting all the blood we drew' speaks to the attempt to balance or rationalize past experiences, possibly hinting at emotional wounds or conflicts that have been set aside or forgotten. Yet, amidst this murkiness, the singer holds onto a clear memory: 'What I do remember / What I do remember is you,' highlighting the enduring impact of a significant relationship.

In the final verse, 'It's hollow in the harvest / What I've lost I count as gain,' Fitzsimmons explores the paradox of loss and gain. The harvest, a time of reaping rewards, feels empty or unfulfilling, suggesting that material or external successes cannot replace what has been lost. However, the singer finds solace in the intangible, 'Filling up the firmament / Visions of the one you gave away,' indicating that memories and visions of a lost loved one provide a sense of spiritual or emotional fulfillment. This poignant reflection underscores the theme of finding fortune not in tangible gains but in the enduring power of love and memory.