"Banks of the 49" is a song by Jim Cuddy, a Canadian singer-songwriter. The song tells the story of a person who is longing for a lost connection with someone from their past. The lyrics depict a sense of nostalgia and yearning for the person they are singing to. The song begins with the protagonist lying awake, wondering how the other person is doing. It has been a long time since they last spoke, reminiscing about a time when they had music playing and listened until the stereo broke. The protagonist admits that when they said they believed the other person, it wasn't entirely true, and they primarily just want to see them come alive. The chorus indicates that if the protagonist were to lose their way or need somewhere to stay, the other person would offer guidance and support. They would give them the words they need to hear, always being careful and kind. The protagonist invites the other person to ask what's on their mind, offering to be helpful this time. They suggest waking up with joy, even in the rain, and embracing pain as a way to grow. In the second verse, the protagonist portrays a serene atmosphere where the days last forever, and the sun caresses their face. They mention how they perceive the other person as fragile and young, with darkness sometimes taking over their face and poisonous words escaping their tongue. Despite this, the protagonist believes that the other person would tell them differently if they tried to hide or had something to say. The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the idea that the protagonist is willing to be a source of support and understanding. They have been waiting for the other person for a long time. The song concludes with the protagonist recounting disturbing dreams where they see the other person alone, with an expression that they interpret as anger or fright. They express their unwavering faithfulness and hope that the other person will eventually reach out to them, promising to be there when they change their mind or step outside. Overall, "Banks of the 49" captures the longing for a lost connection and the desire to be a source of support and understanding for someone from the past. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia, longing, and hope for reconciliation.
