The song "On The Starry Banks" by Mason Jennings tells a story of a troubled relationship and the desire to escape the negativity and hardships that come with it. It begins with the narrator feeling the need to take command of the situation, symbolized by having a hatchet in hand and chopping up the dining room table. This action represents the determination to leave the relationship and start anew. The lyrics further describe the anger and deceit that plagued the relationship, constantly following them like an animal. The metaphor of the landscape transforming into a jungle signifies the chaotic and unpredictable nature of their lives together, with a river running through symbolizing the distance and separation between the narrator and their partner. The chorus reflects on the loss experienced by the narrator on the "starry banks." This could suggest that their dreams and hopes for the relationship were shattered, and they lost their partner in the process. The song also explores the contrast between the outer world and the inner world of the narrator. While a movie plays on the screen, causing laughter from the audience, the narrator's mind is filled with a dark and unsettling movie, representing the emotional turmoil they are experiencing. The metaphor of a falcon and a hare reflects the predatory nature of their relationship, with something without love "bearing down" on the narrator. This could symbolize the negative influences or pressures that caused the relationship to crumble. In summary, "On The Starry Banks" is a song about a toxic relationship, the desire to break free, and the emotional turmoil that comes with it. The lyrics describe the loss of love and the overwhelming challenges faced by the narrator, ultimately leading to the loss of their partner.
