Meaning of "St. Walker" by Young The Giant

The lyrics of "St. Walker" convey a sense of yearning and longing for someone who seems out of reach. The street walker mentioned in the song represents this elusive person. The narrator asks the street walker to reveal their destination, to disclose where they go. The repetition of this line suggests a desperate need to be a part of this person's life, to be where they are.

There is a juxtaposition between the romanticized feelings towards the street walker and the acknowledgement of sin and fault. The lyrics express a paradoxical desire—wanting to be close to this person, yet understanding that their presence may lead to morally compromising situations. The line "here in sin" suggests that pursuing this connection may have negative consequences.

The repeated mention of water in the lyrics adds another layer of symbolism. Water often represents emotions and depth. The narrator wants to be where the water is, where the truth and intensity can be found. However, they also acknowledge that being immersed in this water can be dangerous. The line "if there is water, you'll drown" highlights the potential risks of fully diving into this relationship.

The repeated word "drowning" at the end of the song reinforces the theme of danger and the overwhelming nature of these emotions. It suggests that pursuing this connection with the street walker could potentially consume and overpower the narrator.

Overall, "St. Walker" captures the complex emotions and conflicts that come with desiring someone who is both captivating and inaccessible. The lyrics explore the tension between longing for closeness and recognizing the potential negative consequences of pursuing that desire.