The song "Red Tide" by The Growlers tells a story about the enchanting and mysterious phenomenon of a red tide and its effects on the narrator. A red tide refers to a rapid and massive growth of marine algae, causing the water to turn a reddish or brownish color. The lyrics describe the arrival of summer and the impending red tide. As the day transitions into night, the faces around the narrator shine brightly, creating an entrancing atmosphere. The glow of the red tide is compared to hypnosis, as it captivates and mesmerizes. The chorus emphasizes the allure of the red tide during moonlit nights, with the repeated line "red tide come alive tonight." The narrator acknowledges their fascination with the red tide by kicking up crystals (perhaps referring to sand or seashells) into the sky, symbolizing their surrender to the enchantment without questioning why. The red tide is personified as a friend of the moon, arriving unexpectedly and leaving too soon. The narrator was called forth from the western shore, likely by the alluring pull of the red tide. They couldn't resist the temptation any longer, feeling the need to release their spirit and let go, metaphorically drifting into the unknown. The red tide's initial attraction draws the narrator towards the sand, despite a distant fear. However, this mesmerizing experience is temporary, lasting only for a fleeting moment. The narrator has to wait patiently until the seasons change for the red tide to return. Overall, "Red Tide" explores the allure, fascination, and transitory nature of the mesmerizing and captivating phenomenon of a red tide in relation to the narrator's emotions and experiences.
