The lyrics describe a reflective moment by the water's edge, contemplating the idea of death and the passage of time. The singer muses about the different stages of death - the first being their own passing, the second being when they are buried, and the third being when they are forgotten by the world.

Meaning of "The Third Death" by Isobel Anderson

"The Third Death" by Isobel Anderson delves into deep philosophical reflections on mortality and the inevitable passage of time. The singer's contemplation of the three stages of death - personal passing, burial, and ultimate legacy fading into oblivion - speaks to the existential fear of being forgotten and the insignificance of individual lives in the grand scheme of things. The imagery of others who have come before, facing the same fate and singing out their shared fate, highlights the universality of the human experience and the idea that we are all ultimately bound by the same fate. The song serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life and the importance of finding meaning within the fleeting moments we have.