"If I Had A Boat" by James Vincent McMorrow is a song about longing for love and the journey one takes to find it. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery of nature and the elements, which serve as a metaphor for the ups and downs of relationships. The song begins with the description of a golden river running to the East and dropping beneath the sun, emphasizing the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life. The narrator then expresses his desire to hold someone in his arms and ask them to be true, suggesting a yearning for honesty and commitment in a relationship. As the song progresses, the narrator reflects on his past dreams and how they have died. Nevertheless, he still has hope and is pointed north, hoping for the shore. The lyrics speak to the idea that even when things don't go as planned in life, it is important to keep moving forward and never lose hope. The final verse of the song discusses the challenges of navigating the sea, a metaphor for the difficulties encountered in relationships. However, the narrator chooses to swim and slip beneath the tide, suggesting a willingness to face challenges head-on and overcome adversity. Overall, "If I Had A Boat" is a beautifully crafted song that speaks to the complexities of love and relationships. It encourages listeners to never give up on their dreams and to keep searching for love, no matter how difficult the journey may be.
