Junip formed in 1998 in Gothenburg, Sweden, by José González (guitar, vocal… Read Full Bio ↴Junip formed in 1998 in Gothenburg, Sweden, by José González (guitar, vocals), Elias Araya (drums) and Tobias Winterkorn (organ, moog). Their first 7-inch came out in 2000, but as José González's career began to take off, their first substantial release, the self-released Black Refuge EP, came only in 2006 and their first full album, Fields, in 2010. The band's second album, Junip, was released in April 2013.

The band's sound may be familiar to those who have listened to José González’s critically acclaimed solo records, with organs, synths, and drums featured alongside his nylon-stringed guitar and distinctive voice. The songs are often dynamic, melodic and shadowy, with a remarkable sonic approach that is simultaneously intimate and atmospheric.

Tide
Junip Lyrics

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Along the quiet narrow streets
Canals are still in high tide
Whatever needs to be will be
When there is nothing left to hide
Whatever remains will set you free
A crater left as a divide

All of the memories will return

In the sleep like shallow scars
Whatever remains will set you free
A crater left as a divide

There will soon be time to meet them all again
For once at eye level and for once as friends

There will be time
Time to return

Overall Meaning

In "Tide" by Junip, the song starts off with a description of quiet and narrow streets with still canals that are in high tide. The first verse suggests a sense of solace and acceptance as the lyrics say, "Whatever needs to be will be, when there is nothing left to hide." It is a peaceful and calm scene that is being set up.

The chorus, however, suggests a sense of longing and nostalgia. The lyrics mention, "All of the memories will return, in the sleep like shallow scars, whatever remains will set you free, a crater left as a divide." The lines evoke a sense of loss or longing that reach deep within the soul, only to be noticed in moments of silence and solitude. The mention of a "crater left as a divide" emphasizes the idea that something significant has been lost, feelings that have been bottled up inside, unable to heal, and remain missing.

Finally, the last stanza of the song presents a hopeful message. The singer says, "There will soon be time to meet them all again, for once at eye level and for once as friends." The lyrics suggest that there will be a time to reunite, to make peace with whatever was lost, and to start on a new chapter. Overall, "Tide" is a poignant and thoughtful song about loss, healing, and personal growth.

Line by Line Meaning

Along the quiet narrow streets
Walking through the peaceful, small roads

Canals are still in high tide
The waterways are still full of water

Whatever needs to be will be
Everything that is meant to happen, will happen

When there is nothing left to hide
Once everything is out in the open

Whatever remains will set you free
Letting go of what is left behind will bring peace

A crater left as a divide
Leaving behind a gap, like an impact crater

All of the memories will return
Old memories will resurface

In the sleep like shallow scars
The memories will linger in the subconscious

There will soon be time to meet them all again
There will be an opportunity to reunite with those from the past

For once at eye level and for once as friends
This reunion will be on equal terms and with a connection

There will be time
There is time for change and growth