Meaning of "I Was In The Air" by The Innocence Mission

The lyrics of "I Was In The Air" by The Innocence Mission seem to revolve around themes of protection, support, and comfort. The imagery of birds finding shelter and the lowest tree being raised high suggest a sense of care and guidance from a higher power or a guardian figure. The repetition of "This far will you come but no more" can be interpreted as setting boundaries and limits to protect oneself from harm, with the questioning of who holds back the raging sea and keeps trouble far hinting at a force that provides protection from chaos. The mention of being in the air with someone familiar, comparable to being with one's mother or father at a fair, evokes a sense of warmth, familiarity, and security. Overall, the lyrics convey a message of feeling safe, supported, and loved in the presence of someone who cares deeply.