Meaning of "Navigate Below" by The Revivalists

The lyrics of "Navigate Below" delve into themes of self-discovery, the pursuit of success, and the contrast between external appearances and internal struggles. It begins by highlighting the paradox that the sun, a symbol of brightness and illumination, is colorblind to the light it emits. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for people's ability to overlook their own strengths and potential. The song then delves into the speaker's observations as they watch the world pass by from a rider's perspective, watching life unfold while feeling detached and hungry for something more. The women of the highway are described as doing their best to get by, while the speaker reflects on their own unrealized potential and the fear of failure that holds them back.

The lyrics continue by discussing the distractions and temptations of modern life. The wind blows at closed windows, symbolizing missed opportunities or shutting out the world. Billboards advertising greed possibly represent the societal pressure to conform or prioritize materialistic pursuits. The speaker offers their outlet, the beat, and spare key as symbols of their expression and identity. They acknowledge that others may only hear the superficial aspects, failing to understand the deeper meaning within.

The chorus encourages perseverance and exploring different perspectives. It suggests that working things out and finding solutions requires looking beyond the surface and seeking a different path. The lyrics emphasize that the speaker and their fellow individuals are not heroes, implying that they are ordinary people navigating through life's challenges. The sky symbolizes endless possibilities, while navigating below represents the hidden complexities and depths beneath the surface.

The song takes a turn towards embracing the pursuit of thrills and experiences as a means of self-discovery and growth. It suggests that these thrills can be found anywhere, in any person or place, and in both light and dark aspects of life. The mention of Yin-Yang cousins dancing Buddha rhythm implies the importance of balance and finding harmony amidst the chaos of existence. There is an acknowledgement that self-discovery can be both exhilarating and destabilizing, as the lyrics mention the rattling of sheet rock, symbolizing the breaking down of barriers and the shaking up of one's foundations.

Ultimately, the lyrics convey the message that wisdom and growth come from embracing the ups and downs of life, learning from both successes and failures, and finding one's own path through self-reflection and exploration.