According to the band, the name Mild Orange was chosen because "the colour orange can cause one to experience a heightened sense of optimism, a boost in aspiration, and a stimulation of warmth and happiness".
During 2018 they toured New Zealand with Jack Berry Band with stops in Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch and two sets at their hometown of Dunedin. During the tour, they had a wide range of supporting artists including DJ Snakelegs, Same Name Confusion, The Halps, The Butlers, Old Boy and Hoochie World.
Down by the River
Mild Orange Lyrics
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I lay sculptures for you
For you, it doesn't matter
I'll wait for you
And down the mountainside
I build a snowman for you
For you, it doesn't matter
(Woo)
'Cause you, you for a few
And I, I wait too
For you (For you)
It doesn't matter how long I wait for you
(Woo)
And I'll wait for you
You know it's true
(Woo)
The lyrics of Mild Orange's "Down By the River" speak of a devoted love that is not reciprocated in the same intensity. The opening lines "Down by the river, I lay sculptures for you" may suggest that the singer is creating something beautiful or leaving a part of themselves as a token of love for the other person. However, the lack of acknowledgment from the other person is highlighted in the following line, "For you, it doesn't matter." Despite the lack of response, the singer continues to wait for the other person, as expressed in the lines "I'll wait for you" and "Doesn't matter how long I wait for you."
The next stanza continues to depict the singer's love and dedication towards the other person, with the line "And down the mountainside, I build a snowman for you." The imagery of snowman links with the idea of leaving something tangible, although it may not last forever, just like a snowman melts eventually. However, the unrequited love is once again highlighted in the following line "For you, it doesn't matter." The chorus summarizes the whole song, with the lines "Cause you, you for a few, and I, I wait too, for you." The singer may feel that the individual they love may only care for them for a short period, while they continue to wait for a reciprocated response.
Overall, the lyrics of "Down By the River" convey the idea of an unwavering love that persists despite the lack of response or acknowledgment from the person receiving it. The singer's creations, whether sculptures or snowmen, represent their love and dedication that goes unnoticed, yet they continue to wait for the person they love, hoping that one day they might return the same intensity of love.
Line by Line Meaning
Down by the river
I am by the waterway, close to you.
I lay sculptures for you
I create art for you, an expression of my love.
For you, it doesn't matter
As far as you're concerned, it's of no importance.
I'll wait for you
I'll be patient for as long as it takes.
And down the mountainside
I am on a high peak, near to you.
I build a snowman for you
I construct a figure out of snow just for you.
Cause you, you for a few
You, my love, are one of a kind.
And I, I wait too
I am in the same situation as you.
For you
I am devoted to you.
It doesn't matter how long I wait for you
No length of time spent waiting will ever change my devotion.
And I'll wait for you
I'll be here, unwavering, for you.
You know it's true
You're aware that this is genuine.
Writer(s): Jack Ferguson, Josh Mehrtens, Josh Reid, Thomas Kelk
Contributed by Liliana B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.