Meaning of "A Boat to an Island on the Wall" by Ben Howard

"A Boat to an Island on the Wall" showcases Ben Howard's poetic and introspective songwriting style. The lyrics explore the complex emotions and existential dilemmas that arise from the human experience. The recurring theme of caring versus not caring reveals the narrator's struggle to navigate their emotions and the external forces that shape their life.

The mention of an old Iberian hotel room and the devil behind the curtain creates an eerie atmosphere, where the narrator confronts the uncertainties and fears that come with life's choices. The pact made with Saturn, the symbol of time and endings, emphasizes the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The cigarette symbolizes a desire for escape and a need to free oneself from the constraints of reality.

The recurring image of a boat to an island on the wall represents a longing for a refuge or a fresh start. This island symbolizes a place where the narrator can disconnect from the world and find solace amidst chaos. The hand striking in slow motion suggests a desire to control or influence the future, but also implies the futility of such attempts.

The mention of a shooting season being open adds a layer of darkness to the lyrics. It symbolizes the inevitable pain and suffering that arises from the passing of time. The narrator's realization that choices have been made for them in their absence reflects a loss of control and a sense of resignation. The reference to the black mountain path and the sun shining to moonlight, black hints at a journey through darkness and the cyclical nature of life.

Overall, "A Boat to an Island on the Wall" delves into themes of uncertainty, longing, and the search for meaning within the turmoil of life. The song captures the human struggle between caring and not caring, and the desire to find solace and escape from the constraints of reality.