The lyrics of "Berth" by Gregory Alan Isakov speak of letting go of the past and embracing the present. The song references the desire to move forward and not dwell on what has already happened, symbolized by the phrases "quit all that looking back" and "quit all that." The imagery of a "New York lady" holding a sacred lantern and a reference to turning to salt for the wandering suggest a sense of freedom and release from past burdens.

Meaning of "Berth" by Gregory Alan Isakov

"Berth" explores the theme of moving forward and letting go of the past. The song encourages the listener to quit looking back and focus on the present moment. The repetition of the phrase "quit all that" emphasizes the importance of this message. The references to a "New York lady" holding a sacred lantern and the imagery of turning to salt for the wandering add depth to the meaning of the lyrics. The New York lady symbolizes a guiding light, representing the path towards letting go and embracing the unknown. The act of turning to salt for the wandering can be interpreted as transformation and shedding old layers in order to move forward. In the context of the song, it suggests leaving behind past mistakes, regrets, or attachments in order to embrace a new beginning. The song also touches upon the beauty of nature and the changing seasons, further emphasizing the idea of growth and renewal. The final repetition of "quit all that looking back" serves as a powerful reminder to focus on the present and embrace the journey ahead, without being weighed down by the past.