The song "Until The Levee" by Joy Williams represents a person's determination to face their emotional pain and heartache head-on. The lyrics invoke imagery of a ghost-like presence on the water that resembles the person singing. This ghost symbolizes the inner struggles and loneliness they carry within them. The protagonist decides to confront their feelings by metaphorically "drinking the lonely down," meaning they will face their loneliness and sorrow head-on rather than avoiding it. They acknowledge that trouble and whispers surround them, but they are ready to face it all. Through standing in the ache, they imply that they won't shy away from the pain and will remain steadfast in their resolve to confront it. They use the metaphor of waiting out past the shadows and breathing the bitter taste to describe their perseverance despite the hardships they face. By allowing the current to take them over and let the ruin turn to white, the protagonist is surrendering to the emotions and accepting the need for catharsis. They embrace the process of healing and purging their pain. The repeated line "until the levee on my heart breaks" signifies that the protagonist will continue to stand strong until their emotional barriers and defenses give way, allowing them to fully experience and process their emotions. They are willing to endure the emotional flood until they reach a point of release and relief. In the climax of the song, they declare their determination to stand in the ache and face the emotional difficulties until the levee on their heart breaks. The ending lines "So go and let it break, take all I can take" suggest that they are ready and willing to withstand whatever it takes to heal and move forward. Overall, "Until The Levee" is a powerful anthem about resilience, perseverance, and the importance of confronting one's emotions rather than suppressing them. It explores the journey of self-discovery, healing, and the ability to find strength even in the midst of pain.
