The Crossing
Cormorant Lyrics


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I defied the Sonoran wilds
A wooden border fence to cross
I'll feed my wife and child
With the calloused hands my homeland lost

The last desert wolf has died
But I will struggle on
To the north

A battered dog claws the dust




And cowers to the brush as I pass
On to the American dream

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Cormorant's "The Crossing" describe the desperation and determination of an immigrant attempting to cross the border from Mexico into the United States. The singer defies the wild, dangerous terrain of the Sonoran desert and its man-made border fence to provide for his family. He carries with him the memory of his homeland, where hard labor and calloused hands were the norm. Despite the difficulties and dangers of the journey, he persists with the hope of achieving the "American dream".


The song's lyrics not only capture the physical journey of crossing the border but also the emotional and mental struggles that come with it. The singer faces the loss of the last desert wolf, representing the destruction of nature and culture. Additionally, the battered dog symbolizes the effects of mass migration on pets and animals.


Overall, "The Crossing" is a powerful statement about the human cost of border policies and the struggles of those who risk everything in pursuit of a better life. The lyrics are poignant and evocative, and the song's instrumentation stands as a testament to the band's musical talent and creative vision.


Line by Line Meaning

I defied the Sonoran wilds
I challenged the unforgiving terrain of the Sonoran Desert, known for being difficult to traverse.


A wooden border fence to cross
I had to overcome the man-made boundary that separated me from the land of opportunity.


I'll feed my wife and child
I am determined to provide for my family and ensure their survival.


With the calloused hands my homeland lost
I will use the rough and toughened hands that were born out of hard work in my native land, now left behind for a new home in America.


The last desert wolf has died
The once-thriving wildlife of the desert has disappeared, representing the harshness of the environment and the difficulties of living there.


But I will struggle on
Despite the obstacles, I am determined to persevere and press forward.


To the north
I am headed towards the promise of a better life in America, north of where I stand.


A battered dog claws the dust
I witness the struggle of those less fortunate than me, including the poor and neglected animals in the surrounding area.


And cowers to the brush as I pass
The dog fears me, as it has learned to associate humans with cruelty and mistreatment.


On to the American dream
I am determined to keep moving forward, driven by the hope of achieving the American Dream - a better life for me and my family.




Contributed by Austin W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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