Toes
ŵÀÇí˹Norah Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'll whisk you down the stream
But I never seem to have the time
So my toes just touch the water
So my toes just touch the water
Daydreamed on the bank again
I was swimming with the fish
But my toes just touched the water [Repeat: x3]
Walked a mile just to find the edge
Some place low enough
to step right in
Now I'm here and I can't begin
to move
Walked a mile just to find the edge
Some place low enough
to step right in
Now I'm here and I can't begin
to move
That spoiled sun up over there
Always has to have its way
And I know that the river's there to shelter me
But my toes just touched the water [Repeat: x3]
The song "Toes" by Norah Jones seems to describe a person who is afraid of fully immersing themselves in life's experiences. The singer might have heard about the fun and adventurous activities they can embark on, but they have never taken the time to fully engage in them. The current of a fast-moving stream is too strong for them, so they only touch the water with their toes. Similarly, the singer daydreams about swimming with the fish in the stream but only feels comfortable keeping their toes in the water.
The first verse of the song suggests that the singer is aware of their reluctance to fully immerse themselves in life's experiences. They know people have fun and are adventurous, but they never find the time to join in. Instead, they settle for a superficial engagement or observation. The second verse conveys the same message with the singer walking a whole mile just to find a safe spot low enough to dip their toes in the water. This action also shows that the singer is willing to put in some effort but stops short of completely committing to an activity.
The chorus of the song is that the singer wants to experience life more fully. They want to immerse themselves in new and exciting experiences but are held back by an irrational fear of the unknown. The last line of the chorus, "But my toes just touched the water," repeats three times, emphasizing how the singer is so close to fully engaging in life's experiences but continues to hold back.
Line by Line Meaning
The current is strong from what I've heard
I have heard that the river's current is strong.
I'll whisk you down the stream
I will take you swiftly downstream.
But I never seem to have the time
Unfortunately, I am always too busy.
So my toes just touch the water
I am only able to dip my toes in the river because of my lack of time.
Daydreamed on the bank again
I spent my daydreaming time sitting on the riverbank.
I was swimming with the fish
In my daydream, I was swimming alongside the fishes.
And I thought this time that it may be true
I hoped that my daydream would actually happen.
But my toes just touched the water [Repeat: x3]
However, I could only dip my toes in the water when I returned to reality.
Walked a mile just to find the edge
I walked a distance to reach the river's edge.
Some place low enough
I wanted to find a spot where the water was shallow.
to step right in
I wanted to easily enter the water by simply taking a step.
Now I'm here and I can't begin to move
Despite being at the edge of the river, I am unable to take the first step into the water.
That spoiled sun up over there
The sun is being rather selfish by staying high up in the sky.
Always has to have its way
It always wants to be the center of attention and dominate the sky.
And I know that the river's there to shelter me
Although I am hesitant to enter the water, I am aware that the river can offer me safety.
But my toes just touched the water [Repeat: x3]
Regardless, I am still only able to touch my toes in the water.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LEE ALEXANDER, NORAH JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jennadyannwalker19
The last song my oldest son picked on his own on his laptop before passing from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. His one finger still worked on the mouse wheel. He was a very positive person despite his circumstances. This song fits him. Today would've been his 32nd b-day. Forever 27. <3
@Plombo_5
My dude. Here to listen.
@LynnRatliff-music
1:29 I’m sorry for your loss 😢❤ 2:05 roll a big fat one grab,my guitar and play❤❤❤
@russellsloan242
Who still listening to this in 2024
@user-bm5lv6yy4z
Yesssirr
@GabrielCrisp39
me
@mikeylawrence3560
Of courses
@dalehoffman2926
Me
@imnicolemartelle
My aunt died and at her service they said "let's take a moment and remember Karen by the song we're about to play." This song, Toes, played as a picture of her in Hawaii in a tube floatie was on the screen. I'll NEVER forget it.
@MelonadeFR
Her name was Karen so she deserved it