Stones
Kenneth W. Arnold Lyrics

The lyrics of Kenneth W. Arnold's song "Stones" evoke a dark and haunting narrative. It tells a story of someone who lures children away from their homes and families, leading them astray and causing their innocence to be lost. The repetition of the line "Wade in the water, little children, you are far away from home" suggests a separation from safety and security, as well as a disconnection from their familiar environment.

The lyrics imply that the person singing the song will take the children away from their parents, causing their mothers to wonder where they have gone and leaving them abandoned. The phrase "your eyes will grow as cold as this heart of stone" suggests that the children's innocence and warmth will be replaced by a sense of emptiness and detachment as a result of this experience.

The second paragraph introduces a scene by the river, where the singer invites the children to sit beside them. Here, there is a contradiction between the idyllic imagery of dreaming of love and laughter and the unsettling image of the singer running their fingers through the children's hair. This juxtaposition creates a sense of unease and unsettles the innocence that was initially depicted.

The third paragraph takes a particularly disturbing turn, with lines like "no cries, no sounds when I move in" and "dig my spear into your skin." These lines suggest violence and harm inflicted upon the children by the singer. The phrase "knowing you won't see tomorrow's light" further emphasizes the tragic outcome for the children in this scenario.

In the final paragraph, the lyrics take on a more introspective and reflective tone. The singer may be experiencing some form of punishment or reckoning for their actions. The references to flames and bows may signify the arrival of the consequences they deserve. The line "What's put to rest may not be put to death" suggests that the singer's deeds will leave a lasting impact and that the repercussions of their actions will live on, even after they are gone.

In the closing lines, the lyrics suggest that the singer's spirit remains, warning others to protect their children from the dangers and traps that brought them harm. The phrase "my spirit never dies" indicates that the consequences and legacy of their actions will persist beyond their own existence, haunting the riverside and the memories of those who hear the old voice whispering.