The song "God's Golden Eyes" by John Hiatt explores themes of love, struggle, and self-reflection. The lyrics depict a journey through various emotional landscapes such as jealousy, greed, and heartbreak. The opening lines suggest a difficult path through the forest of jealousy and greed, but the narrator acknowledges that their loved ones have provided them with everything they need. This can be interpreted as a recognition of the importance of love and support in navigating life's challenges. As the journey continues, the lyrics mention a great river representing the cumulative tears shed by humanity. The desire is to reach a point where they can stare into God's golden eyes, possibly signifying a longing for spiritual enlightenment or a connection with a higher power. The song then moves to a desert setting where love appears waiting, seemingly damaged or affected by previous experiences. The mention of being sedated may imply a desire to numb the pain or escape from reality. However, despite the difficulties faced, they realize that it was not some external force that caused the pain, but rather their own actions. The lyrics suggest that they have done everything they could and attempted to run away, but ultimately failed to escape their own struggles. The line "we did the best we could, no matter how hard we tried" highlights the effort put forth in a challenging situation, possibly referring to a failed relationship or personal journey. The song then introduces a comparison between humans and infants, implying that like babies crying for forgotten sins, they are surprised to find themselves shining like diamonds in the wind. This may suggest a realization that despite their flaws and mistakes, there is still beauty and potential within them. The final line "every cut the proper size" signifies that every experience, challenge, or hardship they have faced has shaped them into who they are. They recognize that they will find themselves staring into God's golden eyes, representing a moment of self-reflection, acceptance, and perhaps spiritual transformation. Overall, "God's Golden Eyes" invites listeners to reflect on their own journey through life, acknowledging the struggles, mistakes, and growth that come along the way. It emphasizes the importance of love, self-reflection, and acceptance in finding a sense of fulfillment and connection with something greater.
