The Lakes by James Vincent McMorrow is a haunting and evocative song that tells the story of a journey to a place of natural beauty, where memories and emotions are stirred and resolved. The opening lines suggest a violent and oppressive context, as the speaker is "stolen away from restful dream" and "abduct[ed] by the light, abhorrent seed". This reflects a sense of being forcefully removed from a sense of peace and security, and thrown into turmoil and confusion. However, as the song progresses, a sense of momentum and determination emerges, as the speaker claims to "cut it true" and faces the chaos with bravery and resolve. The imagery of "barrel[ing] back" and giving it all "miles away" suggests a sense of urgency and striving towards a goal or destination. The "wildest day" that the speaker faces seems to represent a moment of reckoning or crisis, where all the struggles and challenges of the journey come to a head. As the song reaches its climax, the speaker describes reaching "the lakes where at last we'd go", a place of natural beauty and tranquility that seems to offer a sense of resolution and resolution. The imagery of being "low laid in wait at the fork at the row" suggests a sense of reverence and humility in the face of this natural wonder, while the "trailing shoulder, faded form" and "precious left untold" hint at a sense of unfulfilled potential or unfinished business. In the final verses, the song returns to more abstract and dreamlike imagery, with references to "elements of frost" and "inches of ice and gauze". These lines suggest a sense of magical or mystical transformation, as the speaker tries to "recall it" and understand the significance of this journey. The final line, "to recall it I hear the wind blow", suggests a sense of ongoing and perpetual reflection and understanding, as the speaker continues to grapple with the memories and emotions stirred by this powerful experience. Overall, The Lakes is a powerful and evocative song that explores themes of endurance, resilience, and the transformative power of natural beauty.
