Meaning of "By And Down The River" by A Perfect Circle

The lyrics of "By And Down The River" delve into the complex emotions that arise from placing someone on a pedestal and the inevitable disappointments that follow. The repeating theme of "searching your eyes for a hint or a trace" emphasizes the speaker's desire for even the faintest glimpse of sincerity or humility in this person. However, they acknowledge that this search is ultimately futile, as they have yet to find any evidence of these qualities. The act of searching for humility in someone is portrayed as a difficult and challenging mission, highlighting the rarity of genuine humility in the world.

The reference to the pied piper serves as a metaphorical representation of the destructive nature of adoration. The speaker describes themselves as a "carcass crippled" by the weight of adoration, suggesting that their idealization of this person has become burdensome and damaging. The image of the pied piper luring people with his music, only to lead them to their demise, implies that the excessive adoration the person receives leads to their downfall as well.

The lyrics further explore the challenging nature of maintaining one's image of someone when confronted with their flaws. The repeated phrase "showing only bits and pieces" suggests that the person continually presents an incomplete version of themselves, hiding behind a facade. This constant betrayal of the speaker's expectations causes their perception of this person to become fragmented and elusive, like a tide that betrays them.

Despite the disappointment and challenges they face, the speaker remains committed to their search for sincerity and authenticity. The final line, "holding on to how I picture you," reflects their determination to cling to their idealized image of this person, even though it may be an impossible feat. This can be interpreted as a desire to believe in the best in people, to hold onto hope despite repeated letdowns.

In summary, "By And Down The River" explores themes of longing, disappointment, and the struggle to find authenticity in others. The lyrics convey the difficult mission of trying to maintain an idealized image of someone while being confronted with their flaws and the destructive nature of excessive adoration. Ultimately, the speaker remains resilient in their search for sincerity, even as their perception of this person becomes increasingly fractured.