Meaning of "Back To The River" by Susan Tedeschi

The lyrics of "Back To The River" convey a sense of longing and a yearning for home and familial connection. The image of waking in a cold sweat suggests a state of discomfort and unease. The nightmare and the rider that wanders through the narrator's head represent unresolved issues or a nagging sense of unfinished business. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for emotional baggage or problematic circumstances that need to be addressed.

The mention of being on the highway for too long and having road dust in their mouth indicates a feeling of weariness and the toll that constant travel takes on a person. The desire to head south and return to the river is a longing for a place of peace and tranquility. The river symbolizes a source of comfort, renewal, and connection to nature. It represents a return to the familiar, a safe haven where the narrator can find solace and clarity.

The narrator's thoughts constantly drift to their children, born in a bad storm and now separated from them. The mention of missing their hugs and chasing lightning bugs suggests a lost sense of innocence, joy, and connection. The narrator acknowledges that it will take some time before they can be reunited with their children and regain that sense of happiness and wholeness.

The full moon rising symbolizes a new beginning and the potential for madness, possibly indicating that the journey back to the river will not be easy. However, as long as the narrator can find some peace of mind, they are determined to make their way back to the river. The campfire, warm breezes, and moss hanging from the trees evoke a sense of comfort, serenity, and a return to nature's embrace. The narrator believes that by returning to the river, they will find everything they need to heal and find contentment.

Overall, "Back To The River" explores themes of longing, longing for home, and the power of nature to bring solace and peace of mind. It speaks to the universal desire for connection, belonging, and finding a place of refuge in the midst of life's challenges and uncertainties.