Meaning of "Wooden Ships" by Crosby, Stills & Nash

"Wooden Ships" explores various themes such as communication, survival, and the longing for escape in the face of societal collapse or conflict. The opening lines highlight the power of a smile as a universal language that transcends cultural barriers. It suggests that despite differences, there are fundamental human experiences that connect us all.

The mention of the "other side" and the question about who won in the conflict indicates a divided world and possibly a war-torn society. The request for purple berries can be seen as a desire for sustenance and survival. The fact that the speaker has been eating them without getting sick suggests that they have found a source of nourishment that keeps them alive during difficult times.

The lyrics then shift to a scene of horror and despair. The observers can only watch as others suffer and their anguished cries go unanswered. This can be interpreted as a commentary on the helplessness and emotional detachment that can arise in the face of overwhelming tragedy.

The decision to leave and the notion that "you don't need us" implies a sense of resignation and abandonment. It suggests that the characters in the song have reached a point where they no longer feel useful or connected to the society they are in. The desire to take someone's sister by the hand and lead her away from the foreign land may signify a longing for a fresh start and a return to a place where laughter and freedom can be found.

The concluding lines evoke a sense of determination and adventure. The fair wind blowing warm from the south represents a favorable change in direction and a chance at a new beginning. The narrator decides to set a course and go, embracing the unknown rather than remaining in a place devoid of meaning or purpose.

Overall, "Wooden Ships" reflects on the nature of communication, the struggle for survival, the desolation of witnessing suffering, the longing for escape, and the courage to embrace the unknown.