The Meaning Behind The Song: Water by Ra Ra Riot

As a person who frequently listens to music, I often find myself drawn to songs that have a deeper meaning or evoke certain emotions. One such song that has had a profound impact on me is “Water” by Ra Ra Riot. I remember stumbling upon this song at a friend’s house and being captivated by its haunting melody and thought-provoking lyrics.

“Water” serves as the leading single from Ra Ra Riot’s album “Need Your Light,” released in 2016. It marked their return following their 2013 album “Beta Love.” The song was met with critical acclaim and resonated with many listeners due to its introspective themes.

At its core, “Water” explores themes of escape, longing, and introspection. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who is tired of their current circumstances and seeks solace in the act of surrendering themselves to the water. The opening verse sets the scene of feeling trapped and lost, with lines such as “Tired of sleeping on the sidewalk” and “Working at the bus stop night ’til morning.”

The pre-chorus further delves into the narrator’s emotions, with the plea, “Don’t punish me for what I feel.” It highlights the internal struggle to break free from the shackles of societal expectations and allow oneself to experience and embrace their true emotions.

The chorus serves as an anthem of liberation, as the protagonist decides to let go of their inhibitions and literally jump into the water. The repetition of the phrase “So I crawled out of the back door, Took off all these tight clothes, Jumped into the water” emphasizes the catharsis and release they feel in this moment of liberation.

The second verse takes a deeper dive into the narrator’s psyche, exploring their disconnection from the outside world symbolized by “vicious demons” on the TV. The decision to sell the TV on 16th Street signifies a desire to eliminate distractions and reclaim their own narrative. The verse concludes with a powerful line, “I don’t care where you’re going,” suggesting a willingness to embrace the unknown and escape the monotonous routine.

The bridge further explores the aftermath of their decision to jump into the water. The physical sensations of numbness and soreness are juxtaposed with the mental turmoil of being too scared to confront their own vulnerabilities. The reference to sleeping on someone’s porch implies a reliance on others for safety and a lack of agency in breaking down their own barriers.

The song culminates in the final chorus, repeating the imagery of shedding the tight clothes and jumping into the water. The repetition underscores the transformative nature of this act, as they are now fully immersed and liberated. The repetitions of “The water, the water” echo the reflective and meditative state that the protagonist has found themselves in.

Overall, “Water” by Ra Ra Riot is a deeply introspective song that explores universal themes of escape, liberation, and the complexities of the human psyche. Its haunting melody and evocative lyrics make it a captivating and relatable piece of music that continues to resonate with listeners.

Credits

Featuring Rostam

Produced By Rostam

Written By Wes Miles & Rostam

Violin Rebecca Zeller

Guitar Milo Bonacci

Drums Kenny Bernard

Bass Guitar Mathieu Santos

Vocals Wes Miles & Rostam

Mastering Engineer Emily Lazar

Recording Engineer Rostam

Percussion Rostam

Piano Rostam

Synthesizer Rostam

Drum Programming Rostam

Mixing Engineer Rostam

Lyrics Wes Miles & Rostam

Label Barsuk Records

Recorded At Bear Creek Studios in Woodinville, Washington

Release Date November 16, 2015

A person who frequently listens to music, sharing some of your personal experiences with this song, using first-person pronouns like I. For example, I first heard this song on or I remember stumbling upon this song at a friend’s house or I was captivated when I heard this song for the first time, …