The song "Underground River" by Jimmy Nail tells the story of a hidden river that represents the struggles and desires of everyday working people. The lyrics describe this underground river, which flows through winding tunnels towards a tideless sea, symbolizing the search for a better life, a place where the hardships of ordinary existence can be forgotten. The song suggests that there is an island across the sea, known as the Island of Souls, that is considered a paradise. It is a place where people can find eternal peace and freedom from the confines of a working life. However, the island can only be reached by a soul that has been set free. The song also touches on the idea that a man builds a metaphorical cage with the tools he is given, representing the constraints and limitations of his working life. The casket being sealed with a riveter's gun symbolizes the finality and permanence of this confinement. Throughout his life, the man is just making a living, going through the motions, until he eventually passes on his tools to his son. The song emphasizes the idea that true freedom and liberation can only be achieved after the man's working days are done. It suggests that only when the ship has left the quay, symbolizing the end of his labor, can he truly be free. The repetition of "nah, nah, nah" in the chorus adds a sense of both hope and longing, as if the characters in the song are yearning for something more, a better life beyond their daily struggles. Overall, "Underground River" is a song that explores the themes of longing for a better life, the constraints of work, and the ultimate quest for freedom and peace. It speaks to the universal desire for a life beyond the toils of existence, where the soul can find solace and eternal bliss.
