"The Man on the Ferry" by Highasakite is a song that touches on themes of cultural identity and longing. The lyrics convey a sense of displacement and a desire to connect with one's roots. The song begins with the narrator waking up outside and feeling a deep emotional response to the air they breathe, suggesting a connection to their Indian heritage. The line "It made the Indian in me cry" signifies the narrator's longing and perhaps a feeling of being disconnected from their cultural background. The chorus expresses the narrator's quest for meaning. They acknowledge trying to find solace in religion ("I've tried all of God") but ultimately not finding the answers they seek. The repeated line "But I will never forget his face" suggests that despite the narrator's search, they still hold on to a personal connection with a higher power. The song also introduces a character called "The Man on the Ferry" who seems to be of significant importance to the narrator. This person may symbolize an opportunity for the narrator to find resolution or belonging. The line "A penny of each of my eyes is the fee" implies that the narrator is willing to give up everything, even their sight, to reach this person. The lyrics further describe the distance between the narrator and this significant figure. The comparison of their closeness to the star and the moon highlights how near yet far they feel. The mention of "the mountains of the moon" suggests a vast distance and a feeling of inaccessibility. The overall message of the song may revolve around the narrator's longing for connection, their sense of displacement, and their willingness to go to great lengths for the chance to find resolution and belonging. The lyrics evoke a yearning for understanding and a search for identity.
