"True North" by Henry Jamison tells the story of a deep connection and love between two individuals. The lyrics depict a journey in a car, with the narrator driving north and later driving south. Throughout the journey, they witness captivating natural phenomena such as a pine forest on fire and the Pacific Ocean alight with moonlight. The song suggests that these sights invoke a sense of wonder and awe in the narrator, perhaps symbolizing the beauty and unpredictability of life. It is implied that the presence of the person they are singing to, referred to as "Sophia," enhances their experience. The lyrics mention the narrator feeling Sophia's presence in the room and being captivated by her as she walks in. The line "Was I looking up your skirt? Yeah, of course I was" may represent the narrator's intimate feelings and desire towards Sophia. It suggests that they are infatuated with her and find her attractive. The statement "I was drowning long before the storm came coastal" could imply that the narrator was struggling emotionally before meeting Sophia, but finding her brought them a sense of relief and salvation. As the song progresses, the lyrics mention the narrator pulling over during their journey, and being asked if they were busy or if the "veils," symbolizing barriers or walls, were up or down. This could suggest that they paused the journey to address the complexities of their relationship. The chorus repeats the lines "I was drowning long before the storm came coastal, but I was coming up for air when you found me there, and you pulled me onto shore, yeah of course you did, with your true north." This chorus emphasizes the idea that Sophia became the narrator's guiding force, their "True North," providing stability and direction in their life. The song concludes with the narrator reflecting on growing up slowly and quickly, feeling time both dragging and passing too quickly. They mention that they pulled over, indicating a willingness to share their story, but they leave it for later. Overall, "True North" explores themes of love, connection, and finding solace in another person. The lyrics paint a picture of a journey filled with wonder, where the presence and influence of Sophia bring the narrator a sense of purpose and direction.
