Moonlight on the River
Mac DeMarco Lyrics
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If I thought I'd see you later
And I'd tell ya, that I loved ya
If I did
It's so strange deciding
How to feel about it
It's such strange emotion
Standing there beside it
I'm home
With moonlight on the river
Saying my goodbyes
Home
There's moonlight on the river
Everybody dies
I'd say, "See you next time"
If I thought there were a next time
Easy conversation
Ain't exactly where we're at
It's so strange deciding
How I feel about you
It ain't like I ain't used
To going on without you
I'm home
With moonlight on the river
Saying my goodbyes
Home
There's moonlight on the river
Everybody dies
Home
With moonlight on the river
Saying my goodbyes
I'm home
There's moonlight on the river
Everybody dies
In Mac DeMarco's song "Moonlight on the River," the singer is expressing his conflicted emotions towards a former lover. He admits that he would say "see you later" and tell her that he loved her, but only if he truly believed he would see her again. He acknowledges that it's difficult to decide how he feels, and the emotions he experiences are strange and confusing.
As the song progresses, the singer reflects on the fact that everyone dies and life is fleeting. He is saying his last goodbyes to this former lover, and the image of the moonlight on the river emphasizes the melancholic tone of the song. He wishes he could reassure himself that he will see her again and that they will have another conversation, but he knows that it's not likely to happen. Instead, he resigns himself to the fact that he must go on without her, even if it's not easy.
The lyrics of "Moonlight on the River" are open to interpretation, but they seem to be about acceptance and letting go of someone who was once important to you. It's a raw and emotional song with a haunting melody that lingers in the mind long after it ends.
Line by Line Meaning
I'd say, "See you later"
If I actually believed I'd see you again, I'd say goodbye with that intention
If I thought I'd see you later
But realistically, I know we're parting ways for good
And I'd tell ya, that I loved ya
If I truly had those feelings for you, I'd express them before leaving
If I did
But the truth is, I don't, and it wouldn't make sense to pretend otherwise
It's so strange deciding
It's difficult to determine how to approach this situation
How to feel about it
And what emotions to feel, if any, in response to it
It's such strange emotion
These mixed feelings are confusing and unfamiliar
Standing there beside it
I'm uncertain how to act while I'm experiencing them
I'm home
Now I'm in a familiar environment
With moonlight on the river
And I'm witnessing a peaceful, serene view of nighttime nature
Saying my goodbyes
Coming to terms with the fact that this is the end and expressing my farewell
There's moonlight on the river
As the quiet, unobtrusive observer of this brief moment in time
Everybody dies
As a reminder that all things must come to an end, eventually
I'd say, "See you next time"
With a sense of hopefulness, I'd say goodbye as though we'll meet again someday
If I thought there were a next time
But unfortunately, I don't have that kind of confidence in the future
Easy conversation
Casual talking and spending time together isn't as simple as it used to be
Ain't exactly where we're at
Our current position is more complicated and uncertain than that
It ain't like I ain't used
I'm no stranger to feeling distance or disconnected from other people
To going on without you
So even though it's hard to say goodbye, I know I can persevere on my own
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Macbriare Samuel Lanyon Demarco
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind