Watershed
Jack M. Senff Lyrics

In the lyrics of Jack M. Senff's song "Watershed," the singer reflects on a feeling of disillusionment and defeat in their life. The metaphor of scattered ash on a basement floor sets a somber tone, suggesting a sense of disarray and emptiness. The singer acknowledges that they were no longer feeling positive or confident about their work, indicating a loss of purpose or direction. This feeling of defeat is further emphasized by the mention of being "laughed out of jokes," hinting at a sense of isolation and alienation. The singer describes feeling broken in spirit, as if their belief in themselves or in something greater had been shattered.

The mention of heading for a watershed signifies a significant turning point or moment of reckoning in the singer's life. However, they admit that they did not fully understand the gravity of this impending change. Despite their lack of clarity, the singer describes blindly following a path they believed in, only to find themselves deceived and made a fool of by the journey. This could symbolize a realization of misplaced trust or misguided beliefs that have led them astray.

As the lyrics progress, the singer describes crossing a river and ending up in the sea, portraying a metaphorical journey from one challenging situation to an even more daunting one. The inability to discern the path ahead or the consequences of their actions is highlighted by the uncertainty expressed in the line, "No, I couldn’t tell." The imagery of the sun setting like gold thrown in a wishing well adds a sense of melancholy and a longing for a brighter future or a sense of fulfillment that seems out of reach.

In the final verses, the singer turns towards the "north wood," symbolizing a retreat or a return to a simpler, more natural state. The decision to venture headfirst into the watershed, despite still not fully grasping its significance, reflects a willingness to confront the unknown and face the challenges ahead. The repetition of following blindly and labeling it as belief suggests a recurring pattern of misguided trust or misplaced faith that continues to bring disappointment and disillusionment. Ultimately, the singer acknowledges the folly of their errands and the consequences of being deceived, indicating a sense of acceptance and a willingness to learn from past mistakes.