Black Water
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros Lyrics


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Black water
Drippin' down your face
Mountains in reconstitution's embrace

[Chorus]
Guns and steel
And the germs of love
Toe to toe
In the world of mud
Guns and steel
And the germs of love
Blow for blow
For my aching heart

Black water
Spread your words on me
Waste me with a bang
You know, for posterity





[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros's song Black Water invoke a strong sense of struggle and conflict, both internal and external. The imagery of black water dripping down the face can be interpreted as tears or sweat, both of which can represent the pain and effort required to face difficult situations. The line "mountains in reconstitution's embrace" expands on this theme, presenting the idea that even the largest obstacles can be overcome with hard work and perseverance. The chorus introduces the concept of love as both a weapon and a catalyst for conflict, emphasizing the idea that our most intense emotions can either hold us back or propel us forward. The repetition of "guns and steel" reinforces the notion of violence and aggression being a part of the human experience, while "the germs of love" suggests the potential for compassion and empathy even in the midst of conflict. Ultimately, the song captures the complexity of the human condition, showing how we must confront our inner demons and external challenges in order to grow.


Line by Line Meaning

Black water
Dark, polluted water


Drippin' down your face
Falling down, staining your face


Mountains in reconstitution's embrace
Nature reclaiming and rebuilding the mountains


Guns and steel
Weapons of war and destruction


And the germs of love
Emotions that spread and infect like a disease


Toe to toe
Face to face, in direct confrontation


In the world of mud
In a dirty, difficult, and chaotic world


Blow for blow
Returning every attack with equal force


For my aching heart
To ease the pain and longing of a broken heart


Spread your words on me
Force your opinions or beliefs on me


Waste me with a bang
Destroy me completely and dramatically


You know, for posterity
For future generations to remember and learn from




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ALEX M T EBERT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@Michael-cr4wb

I don’t know what it is, this song just has a vibe to it. I love it. It’s dark, echoey, and just draws you in.

I used to listen to this album to and from work when I lived in Vegas and worked in Primm, but especially this song going down I-15 at 4am after my shitty shift and smoking a cig on my way home.

This album definitely had a day/night vibe to it. I’d listen to Om nashi me, 40 day dream on the 35 min drive to work, then this or Tool towards my resting spot.

@sharonb6479

Favourite one of the album, so amazing 

@hxxvxnly

That harmonica solo ❤️‍🔥

@littlevader06

Hello there from class

@emre8919

Why do i get a chrismas song vibe but then dark

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