The Turtles and the Salmon
Alaska Lyrics


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Like the turtles and the salmon
We would turn to the same place
Now your mother and your eggs are gone
Cos some bastard went and stole them
Now your mother and your eggs are gone
Cos some bastard went and stole them




Overall Meaning

The song “The Turtles and the Salmon” by Alaska is a haunting and evocative reflection on the destructive impact of human beings on the natural world. The lyrics draw on the image of the turtles and the salmon, two species that have long been associated with the rivers and oceans of the Pacific Northwest. Like these animals, the singer of the song has always been drawn to a particular place, a place that serves as a source of comfort and sustenance. But this place is no longer the same, as both the singer’s mother and the eggs that she laid there have been stolen by an unnamed “bastard”.


The lyrics are rich with symbolism and suggest a deep sense of loss and longing. The image of the turtles and the salmon is particularly powerful, as these animals are both known for their tenacity and their ability to navigate difficult terrain. Yet despite their strength and resilience, they are vulnerable to the destructive forces of human intervention. The singer of the song seems to be grappling with the same forces, as they attempt to reckon with the loss of their home and the destruction of their environment.


Line by Line Meaning

Like the turtles and the salmon
Similar to how turtles and salmon instinctively return to the same location, we too have a sense of home and belonging.


We would turn to the same place
As creatures of habit, we often find ourselves returning to familiar places and people that provide us with comfort and security.


Now your mother and your eggs are gone
The loss of a mother and her offspring is a tragic event that can have a significant impact on the natural world.


Cos some bastard went and stole them
This loss is often caused by selfish and destructive human behavior, such as poaching or environmental destruction for personal gain.


Now your mother and your eggs are gone
The repetition of this line emphasizes the devastating effects of human interference on delicate ecosystems and the animals that inhabit them.




Contributed by Taylor P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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