Meaning of "Drink My Rivers" by Andy Shauf

In "Drink My Rivers," Andy Shauf explores the theme of distance and longing in a relationship. The lyrics suggest a sense of yearning and a desire to connect with someone who is physically far away. The speaker wonders if their presence is still felt in the dreams of the other person, or if they are drifting further away with each passing day.

The repetition of the lines "When I drink my rivers, drag my feet, and drown in my dreams / It's not as bad as it seems" and "I'll drink my rivers, drag my feet, and drown in my dreams / It's not as bad as it seems" emphasizes the speaker's reliance on imagination and introspection to cope with the separation. By "drinking rivers," the speaker suggests that they consume their own emotions and memories, allowing them to be transported to a mental space where their loved one is still present. This act of immersion in their dreams becomes a sanctuary where they can temporarily escape the pain of distance.

The term "light sleeper" implies that the speaker is easily awakened or affected by their emotions, while "easy dreamer" portrays their tendency to imagine and fantasize. These characteristics contribute to the heightened sense of longing and intensity of their emotions. The question "Do I inch closer every day" reflects the speaker's hope that their dreams and thoughts might somehow bridge the physical gap between them and their loved one.

Overall, the lyrics of "Drink My Rivers" evoke a bittersweet longing and capture the inner world of the speaker as they navigate the challenges of distance in a relationship. It speaks to the power of dreams and the ability to find solace in one's own imagination, even in the face of distance and longing.