Shaker Hymns
Dry the River Lyrics

is an old soul torn between tradition and modernity. The first stanza talks about how they got married with their families on either side of the bed they shared. They sing shaker hymns, which were traditional religious songs of the Shakers, a religious group known for their simplicity and celibacy. The fact that they got married in a single bed shows their willingness to break from tradition and embrace modernity. The lyrics also suggest that both families were present during the wedding, indicating a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.

The second stanza talks about the grandfather of one of the families singing the whole Song of Solomon, which is a book in the Old Testament that celebrates love and sexuality. This shows that the grandfather was not bound by strict religious traditions and believed in and celebrated love. The stanza ends with a toast to health in the front room and the couple whiles away the afternoon, showing a blissful and carefree moment of their new life together.

The third stanza takes a dark turn as the woman, Ma fleur, is struck down with sickness. The young medicine man can't seem to help her, even though there are many bottles of medicine available. This suggests a struggle between traditional and modern medicine and how sometimes, even with the availability of modern treatments, traditional medicine and practices still hold sway. The last two lines of the stanza talk about the weight that the singer carries throughout the day, showing the burden of responsibility that comes with marriage and possibly the struggle to keep the balance between tradition and modernity.