"The Rice Song" by Joshua Kadison tells the story of a man who encounters another man on the corner who carves names on grains of rice. Intrigued by this unique skill, the narrator asks if his name can be carved on a grain of rice. However, he quickly realizes that the size of a grain of rice is too small for his desire and instead asks if his name can be written in the sky. The man on the corner introduces the narrator to his brother, who can fly a plane and write names in the sky using it. The narrator asks about the cost of this service, to which he is told that a simple smile or a song would suffice as payment. Feeling caught between the possibilities of youthful magic and the realities of aging and losing ground, the narrator drives to the airport, contemplating whether to go through with the experience. However, he sees the same man from the corner at the airfield. The man offers to take him in his plane and write his name in the sky. Reflecting on the strange nature of people and existence, the narrator questions whether a grain of rice is too small for their aspirations and if the sky can ever be big enough to encompass their desires. The song also includes a Spanish interlude where the narrator is addressed as "señor" and is advised to sing and embrace life as music. Overall, "The Rice Song" explores the themes of dreams, desires, the fragile nature of life, and the limits of expectations. The lyrics touch upon the idea that even the smallest things can hold great significance, while also highlighting the human longing for something larger and more profound.
