Gunflint Lake
Maygen & The Birdwatcher Lyrics
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I need a tick-check in all the places I can’t see
Sunburn stinging cuz I didn’t pay attention
And the sweats drip drippin
It took two hours longer than it should’ve to get here
The signal dropped out a mile north of town
Cubes in the ice bin have already melted
And my city minds runnin, runnin’ and runnin'But then the sun sets over Gunflint Lake and
The fire smoke is winding down our day
Hear that loon call singin’ aye
You’re in God’s country
Let go & let be
It's been a year for the books and I don't mean in a good way
Really put a hurtin on my motto to keep the faith
All this hell a-risin' I just need a clear horizon
So we pack up the truck and drive
To see the sun set over Gunflint Lake and
The fire smoke is winding down our day
Hear that loon call singin’ aye
You’re in God’s country
Where we wake up with the birds and there's nothin' but quiet
and soak up all the peace mother nature’s providin'
eagles on the white pines tellin’ me somethin'... like...
Soak it all in all the bad with the good (bad with the good)
This fickle life is only misunderstood (misunderstood)
Sweet's only sweet when you've tasted the sour
and it's all going by too fast
So watch that sun set over Gunflint Lake
Let that fire smoke wind down the day
Hear that loon call singin' aye
You're in God's country
Let go and Let be yah, yah
Let go and let be, yah yah yah yah yah yah yah
In "Gunflint Lake," Maygen & The Birdwatcher paint a vivid and relatable picture of a journey both literal and metaphorical. The song opens with the imagery of discomfort and nature's inevitability, as the singer discusses physical elements such as bug bites, sunburn, and general exhaustion from getting to their destination. The "tick-check" suggests a concern for safety amidst the wilderness, while the mention of "drippin'" sweat evokes a sense of struggle and the toil that often accompanies a trip into nature. The journey itself is marred by delays—“two hours longer than it should’ve”—which reflects the unpredictability of both travel and life. The phrase "city minds runnin', runnin', and runnin'" further emphasizes a contrast between the singer's chaotic urban life and the tranquility they seek in nature.
As the narrative progresses, the serene imagery of Gunflint Lake unfolds, with the sun setting and the calming effect of fire smoke signaling the end of an eventful day. The call of the loon, a bird often associated with the wilderness, reinforces the theme of being in a place of natural beauty—“God's country.” This phrase suggests a spiritual connection to nature, a release from the stressors of daily life. The desire to "let go and let be" encapsulates an essential lesson found in the song: surrendering to the moment and allowing the natural flow of life to take over is vital for finding peace. The acknowledgment of a difficult year leads the song to a reflective space, as the singer recognizes the struggles of maintaining faith amid adversity.
Moving deeper, the songwriter juxtaposes nature's calm with human emotional complexity, demonstrating a keen awareness of life’s dualities. Mentioning "all this hell a-risin'" highlights the inner turmoil the singer feels, pointing to the broader struggles faced in life, while their journey to Gunflint Lake symbolizes a pursuit of clarity and respite. As they seek to immerse themselves in the beauty surrounding them, there is a strong emphasis on acceptance: “Soak it all in all the bad with the good.” This line encapsulates a central theme of the song—the necessity to embrace life in its entirety. It recognizes that joy cannot be fully appreciated without understanding suffering, an essential truth about the human experience.
The conclusion of the song revolves around the idea of mindfulness and presence. As the singer encourages listeners to appreciate the transient beauty of sunsets and the quiet peace nature provides, they evoke a sense of urgency—“it’s all going by too fast.” The culmination of their experiences at Gunflint Lake prompts a call to embrace both the sweet and sour moments of life. The refrains of "let go and let be" serve as mantras for releasing tension and embracing a tranquil existence. Ultimately, "Gunflint Lake" is a celebration of nature’s healing power and a reminder to cherish each moment, suggesting that in the heart of life’s chaos, serenity can be found in the simplicity of the natural world.
Line by Line Meaning
I’ve got at least a hundred bites over every part of me
My body is covered in numerous insect bites, indicating a struggle against nature's elements.
I need a tick-check in all the places I can’t see
I require a thorough inspection for ticks in places I can't easily see, suggesting a concern for health and safety after being outdoors.
Sunburn stinging cuz I didn’t pay attention
I'm experiencing pain from sunburn because I neglected to protect my skin from the sun’s rays.
And the sweats drip drippin
I'm sweating profusely, highlighting the physical discomfort of the heat or exertion.
It took two hours longer than it should’ve to get here
Our journey to this place took significantly longer than anticipated, reflecting frustrations or obstacles faced along the way.
The signal dropped out a mile north of town
We lost communication and connectivity right before reaching our destination, emphasizing isolation.
Cubes in the ice bin have already melted
The ice has melted, indicating the passage of time and perhaps a loss of refreshment or comfort.
And my city minds runnin, runnin’ and runnin'
Thoughts from my busy city life keep racing through my mind, depicting internal chaos amidst the calm of nature.
But then the sun sets over Gunflint Lake and
However, the beauty of the sunset over Gunflint Lake provides a moment of peace and reflection in the midst of turmoil.
The fire smoke is winding down our day
The smoke from the campfire signifies the end of our day, a comfortable closure to our activities.
Hear that loon call singin’ aye
The call of the loon resonates, serving as a reminder of the wilderness and nature's beauty surrounding us.
You’re in God’s country
This place is described as a sacred or pristine part of nature, emphasizing its divinity and tranquility.
Let go & let be
It’s time to release my worries and accept things as they are, promoting a sense of acceptance and peace.
It's been a year for the books and I don't mean in a good way
This past year has been significant, but filled with challenges, unlike any year I've experienced positively.
Really put a hurtin on my motto to keep the faith
The struggles I've faced have tested my belief in staying hopeful and resilient.
All this hell a-risin' I just need a clear horizon
The chaos and difficulties around me are overwhelming, leading to a longing for clarity and peace in my future.
So we pack up the truck and drive
We decide to load our vehicle and embark on a journey, seeking solace in nature.
To see the sun set over Gunflint Lake and
Our aim is to witness another beautiful sunset at Gunflint Lake, a source of comfort and inspiration.
The fire smoke is winding down our day
Again, the smoke indicates the day's end, reinforcing a routine of relaxation and reflection.
Hear that loon call singin’ aye
The frequent call of the loon continues to embody the natural charm of this place.
You’re in God’s country
This phrase emphasizes the purity and spiritual connection found in this wilderness.
Where we wake up with the birds and there's nothin' but quiet
Here, we enjoy mornings filled with the sounds of nature, engulfed in serene silence.
and soak up all the peace mother nature’s providin'
We fully embrace the tranquility that nature offers, appreciating its restorative qualities.
eagles on the white pines tellin’ me somethin'... like...
The presence of eagles in the pristine trees feels symbolic, as if they are imparting wisdom or a message.
Soak it all in all the bad with the good (bad with the good)
Embrace all experiences, both positive and negative, as integral parts of life.
This fickle life is only misunderstood (misunderstood)
The unpredictable nature of life is often misinterpreted, suggesting deeper complexities.
Sweet's only sweet when you've tasted the sour
One can only truly appreciate joy after experiencing hardship, highlighting the contrast of emotions.
and it's all going by too fast
Life seems to pass swiftly, creating a sense of urgency to savor each moment.
So watch that sun set over Gunflint Lake
Take the time to observe and appreciate the sunset, a moment of beauty and serenity.
Let that fire smoke wind down the day
Allow the smoke from the campfire to signify the day’s end, reinforcing a ritual of relaxation.
Hear that loon call singin' aye
Listen once more to the alluring call of the loon, a reminder of our surroundings.
You're in God's country
Reiterating that we are situated in a sacred and magnificent part of the natural world.
Let go and Let be yah, yah
Encouraging a mindset of acceptance and release of burdens once more.
Let go and let be, yah yah yah yah yah yah yah
A repeated affirmation of surrendering to the moment and embracing life as it unfolds.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Maygen Lacey
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@briannalosier6980
Love Gunflint Lake❤ been going every summer with friends for the past few years and it’s the highlight of summer. The tranquility of watching the sunset over the water is unmatched.