The song "The Wilds" by Henry Jamison tells the story of a person's experience with someone named Lolo and their journey through art and nature. The lyrics begin with a reference to a rainy day when they visit a museum together. Lolo, presumably a companion or guide, leads the protagonist into the realm of impressionism. Specifically, they encounter Edgar Degas' painting "Young Woman with Ibis," which depicts a woman lost in thought alongside ruby red birds. The vivid imagery of the birds and the woman's contemplation captures the protagonist's attention. The scene then shifts to a sunny day at a secret beach, where Lolo's words and presence seem distant or unattainable. Here, the protagonist notices the moon in Sagittarius at a specific degree, influenced by the ruby red sun hanging over the scene. As they traverse both the museum and the beach, there is a recurring theme of being immersed in the wilds. The protagonist contemplates whether they should listen to Lolo's words and recognize their own connection to nature. The wilds represent a sense of untamed beauty and power, and the protagonist recognizes that Lolo embodies the wilds and is deeply affected by them. In the chorus, the protagonist reflects on the natural world around them and the potential for cosmic romance. The communication of the birds in the canopy suggests a deeper connection with nature, and the protagonist wonders if they are part of that conversation since they, too, are in the wilds. They urge themselves to take a chance on this cosmic romance, viewing it as an oceanic experience. Towards the end, the protagonist acknowledges their own presence in the wilds and their interconnectedness with nature. They declare that they are both a part of the wilds and the wilds are a part of them. Overall, "The Wilds" explores the profound relationship between humans and nature, the beauty found in art, and the need to embrace and understand our place within the wilds.
