Niagara
Braid Lyrics
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queen of water
fire's daughter
the ultimate author
follow the current
erode it
i rode it
and wrote it
oh river
oh lay color
on bodies of matter
our bodies matter
the colors scatter
down our legs
into the sand
what a combination we make
(i kind of like you a lock)
with some determination
the heat from our hearts
will freeze out the lake
you have eyes you can unlike but can't hide
with the flow comes rise...
ave niagara
keep on fallin
woo woo the spectators
pre-convert those water haters
look for something greater
let me be your float device
let me do your swear work
cause kisses aren't contracts baby
and these days neither are words
niagara
sugar even odd smiles are in this season
The song "Niagara" by Braid is a contemplative reflection on the power of the natural world and its relationship to the human experience. The singer of the song addresses Niagara Falls, "queen of water," and "fire's daughter," recognizing the awe-inspiring force of the falls as both a physical and metaphorical entity. The lyrics suggest the idea of following the current, allowing it to erode and shape one's path, but also recognizing personal agency in writing and documenting one's experiences. The line "our bodies matter, the colors scatter, down our legs, into the sand" invokes imagery of bodies merging with and being influenced by the environment, creating a unique and fleeting moment in time.
The second half of the song becomes more urgent, with the singer imploring Niagara to continue to fall and "woo woo the spectators," suggesting a desire for the falls to continue to mesmerize and captivate. The language becomes more colloquial as the singer asks to be Niagara's "float device" and do its "swear work," possibly referencing the physical and emotional toll of surviving in the modern world. The final line, "Niagara, sugar even odd smiles are in this season," is enigmatic but suggests that even in the midst of uncertainty and chaos, there is still beauty to be found and appreciated.
Overall, "Niagara" by Braid is a poetic meditation on the intersections of nature and the human experience, exploring themes of agency, impermanence and beauty.
Line by Line Meaning
ave niagara
Hail Niagara Falls, a natural wonder of the world.
queen of water
Niagara Falls is a royal figure of flowing water, powerful and majestic.
fire's daughter
Niagara Falls has its origins in the heat of volcanoes, the flames of the earth's core.
the ultimate author
Niagara Falls has shaped the landscape, the ecosystem, and the human activity in its surroundings, acting as the ultimate author of the region.
follow the current
Let yourself be carried away by the flow of life, like the water over the Falls.
erode it
Even the hardest rock is no match for the Falls, which erodes it relentlessly over time.
i rode it
The singer has gone on the wild ride of the Falls, experiencing its exhilaration and danger.
and wrote it down on looseleaf paper
The singer has documented their experience on the Falls in a humble, tangible way.
oh river oh lay color
The river leaves a trail of color and impression on everything it touches.
on bodies of matter
The human body is made of matter, and therefore takes part in the impression left by the river.
our bodies matter
Our existence is significant and part of the natural order, as is the Falls.
the colors scatter down our legs into the sand
The colors of life dissolve and spread everywhere they can, leaving no trace untouched.
what a combination we make
The interaction of the human body with the Falls creates a unique and wondrous spectacle.
(i kind of like you a lock)
The singer has a particular affection for this place, as significant as a lock of hair.
with some determination the heat from our hearts will freeze out the lake
With effort and passion, we can overcome any obstacle or adversity, as severe as freezing a lake.
you have eyes you can unlike but can't hide
The truth and essence of a person or place is undeniable, even if we try to ignore it or obscure it.
with the flow comes rise...
In the cycle of life, growth and renewal come after letting go and surrendering to the flow.
ave niagara keep on fallin
Hail Niagara Falls, keep on flowing and falling, perpetuating life and awe.
woo woo the spectators pre-convert those water haters
Celebrate and share the beauty of the Falls with others, changing their minds and hearts towards it.
look for something greater
Seek the sublime, the transcendent, the spiritual in life, as the Falls represent.
let me be your float device let me do your swear work
Let the love and trust between us sustain and guide us, even in difficult times.
cause kisses aren't contracts baby and these days neither are words
Love and connection are not based on contracts or promises, but on actions, trust, and respect.
niagara sugar even odd smiles are in this season
Niagara Falls is a source of joy and sweetness, bringing smiles and randomness to life.
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING, EMI MUSIC PUBLISHING FRANCE, SIDONIE
Written by: Julien Clerc, Etienne Roda Gil
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind