The song "The Flood" by Mason Jennings tells a story of a transformative experience caused by a flood. At the beginning of the song, the speaker recalls the day when the flood came, and everything around them was engulfed in a humbling blue. This flood, symbolizing a significant event in their life, affects both the physical landscape, such as highways and ferries, as well as the spiritual realm, represented by the prayers known by the speaker. As the flood progresses, the speaker feels a loss of control and track of time. They compare their own pace to an unknown current that is moving faster. The flood takes down trees on the river, much like ungiven or ignored advice. This suggests that the flood brings about a sense of urgency and forces the speaker to confront aspects of their life that they have neglected or ignored. In the midst of this chaos, the speaker lays back with their eyes closed, releasing the air from their nose, possibly representing a moment of surrender or letting go. They allow the earth to melt into glorious mud, symbolizing a transformation or rebirth. In this state, the speaker finds solace and contentment, even as they are submerged six feet under the flood. The flood, rather than causing fear or distress, provides a sense of peace or acceptance. The song continues with the speaker unable to find their boots and the water reaching knee-high. In their bed, they gaze out of the window at the dry sky, suggesting a stark contrast between the flood and the lack of rainfall outside. This juxtaposition highlights the unique experience the speaker is going through, separated from the ordinary circumstances of everyday life. Ultimately, the speaker wakes up under all that was humbled in blue, realizing that they are more comfortable in this submerged state than their mother, who may represent a more traditional or conventional way of living. This realization emphasizes their personal growth and transformation through the flood experience. In summary, "The Flood" by Mason Jennings is a metaphorical song that explores the impact of a flood on the speaker's life. It symbolizes a transformative event that leads to self-discovery, acceptance, and a newfound sense of comfort in an unconventional state of being. The lyrics convey a story of surrender, reflection, and personal growth in the face of adversity.
