River
Ibeyi- Lyrics

The song 'River' by Ibeyi is a beautiful and introspective ballad about forgiveness, cleansing, and surrender to a higher power. The lyrics describe the singer's desire to be purified and released from their emotional and spiritual burdens. The river serves as a metaphor for a divine force or entity that can wash away their ego, blame, and shame. The repetition of the phrase "wash my soul" emphasizes the transformative power of the river and the singer's need for absolution.

The verse "carry away my dead leaves" is a symbol of the singer's past and their desire to let go of it. The phrase "let me baptize my soul with the help of your waters" suggests a baptismal theme and a desire for a spiritual rebirth. The repeated lines "Let the river take them, river drown them" reinforce the idea of surrender and letting go of pain and difficulties.

The song also incorporates elements of Yoruba culture, with the inclusion of the lines "Wemile Oshun, Oshun dede, Alawede Wemile Oshun, Moolowo beleru yalode moyewede," which are chants dedicated to the goddess Oshun, who is associated with love, fertility, and the river. The use of traditional Yoruba language and imagery adds depth and cultural significance to the song.

Overall, the song 'River' is a powerful and emotional track that speaks to the universal human desire for forgiveness and release. The river, as a symbol of divine power and cleansing, is a beautiful and resonant image that speaks to people across cultures and beliefs.