The song "Riding The Waves (For Virginia Woolf)" by Steve Harley is filled with poetic imagery and metaphors that create a vivid narrative. The lyrics depict a moment shared between the narrator and a woman, potentially named Virginia Woolf as a reference to the renowned author. In the beginning, the woman shakes her head, and the narrator sees "jewels" and "golden trinkets" hanging and quivering. This imagery symbolizes the beauty and brilliance within her. She then tells the narrator that she sees the sea and instructs him to observe how the creases form and disappear. This possibly suggests the transient nature of life and how things change and evolve. As they continue their journey, they witness a new day forming, represented by the rising sun. The "fibers burning" and the feeling of "riding the waves" refer to a sense of exhilaration and freedom that they experience. The lyrics indicate that they are deeply moved and captivated by the beauty and awe-inspiring nature around them. The song takes another turn as light strikes upon the brooding trees and makes a leaf appear transparent and shimmering. This scene emphasizes the enchanting and ethereal quality of their surroundings. They also notice an arc of fire burning on the horizon, which adds to the sense of wonder and fascination. The woman then whispers to the narrator that the "honey-colored ball" is melting its way into another morning. This is likely a metaphor for the sun sinking towards the end of the day, paving the way for a new beginning. She flicks the back of her neck defiantly, which expresses her strong and independent nature. The narrator acknowledges that such a simple gesture can make someone fall hopelessly in love for a lifetime. Overall, "Riding The Waves (For Virginia Woolf)" explores themes of beauty, transience, and the profound impact of a single moment or gesture. The song showcases the awe-inspiring wonders of the world and how they can evoke deep emotions and connections between individuals.
