"The River II" is a song by Holly Rankin, who performs under the stage name Jack River. The song is a continuation of her earlier song "The River" and expands on its themes of transformation, freedom, and longing. The lyrics describe a waterfall without color, symbolizing a lack of vibrancy and life. The rushing spiral swirls represent the constant movement and flow of life. They are compared to diamonds, suggesting their beauty and preciousness. However, they also "fall and burn," indicating the inevitable passing of time and the fleeting nature of existence. The protagonist of the song watches a river flowing and sees the silver substance glowing, which refers to the mesmerizing beauty of water and its reflection. The mention of Lizard Women suggests a mythical element, as they possess scaled skin thick with stories. They warn the protagonist with fearful words that taunt the river's flow, possibly cautioning against the dangers or uncertainties of life. The song speaks of waiting for a new world and advises not to shed one's wrinkled skin, implying that change and transformation are necessary and worthwhile. The mention of a flooding dream upstream represents the anticipation of a significant event or a potential change in one's life. The lyrics then describe the protagonist's journey through different landscapes, such as crystal spaceships, spinning deserts, and crowded Times Squares. These settings evoke feelings of adventure, nostalgia, and displacement. The mention of drinking the LA Sunset and being on trains to nowhere bound contributes to the theme of transient experiences and fleeting moments. The mention of the last night of summer carries a melancholic tone, emphasizing the ephemeral nature of happiness and the passing of time. The protagonist clings to distant longing like sun rays to the skin, expressing a desire for something unattainable or elusive. The song then introduces a dream of freedom represented by a broken ticking clock and its melting. This symbolizes the dissolution of time and the abandonment of constraints. The dream floats slowly to the Ocean down a stream, depicting the liberation of the soul. The protagonist wonders where this freedom is going and why it's flowing there. In a metaphorical encounter, a boy inside the dream speaks to the protagonist, softly affirming that they are nowhere but here. This statement highlights the importance of embracing the present moment and finding purpose and fulfillment in the present rather than seeking an external destination or idealized place. Overall, "The River II" explores themes of transformation, longing, and the pursuit of freedom. It encourages individuals to embrace the present, allowing them to find meaning and contentment wherever they may be.
