Parker originally conceived the project in Perth in 2007. After a series of singles and EPs, Tame Impala's debut studio album, InnerSpeaker, was released in 2010; it was certified gold in Australia and well received by critics. Parker's 2012 follow-up, Lonerism, was also acclaimed, reaching platinum status in Australia and receiving a Grammy Award nomination for Best Alternative Music Album. Tame Impala's third album, Currents, was released in July 2015,[6] and like its predecessor, it won ARIA Awards for Best Rock Album and Album of the Year. Parker won the APRA Award for Song of the Year 2016 for Currents' first track, "Let It Happen". The fourth and most recent studio album, The Slow Rush, was released 14 February 2020.
The boat I row
Tame Impala Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's hard to self-assure
When everyone's a pro
Sayin', "It's so obvious"
But really they don't know (they don't know)
Just like a monster (they don't know shit)
That is only a shadow (a shadow)
From which you're already runnin'
Easy, I suppose
And even if it takes a
Hundred-thousand goes
The way's in front of me
'Cause that's the one I chose (I chose)
It's always starin' at you (barely a choice)
That's the boat I row (I row)
And though it seems to be endless
Problems, relentless
I know I'm oblivious
Bit overzealous
And possibly jealous
I run 'til I'm breathless
Tried to suppress it
I couldn't bear it
So onward I go
Many ways to go
It's hard to self-assure
When everyone's a pro
Sayin', "It's so obvious"
But really they don't know (they don't know)
Just like a monster (they don't know shit)
That is only a shadow (a shadow)
But you're already runnin'
Endless
Problems, relentless
I know I'm oblivious
Bit overzealous
And possibly jealous
I run 'til I'm breathless
Tried to suppress it
I couldn't bear it
So onward I go
The song "The boat I row" by Tame Impala appears to be about the difficulty of making choices in life and having confidence in oneself. The opening lines suggest that there are many paths to take in life, but it is hard to be certain which one is the right one. The persona is trying to navigate through the different options and gains self-assurance in their own decision despite others thinking that "it's so obvious" which direction they should be headed in. The metaphor of a boat is used to suggest that the person is navigating through something that is larger than themselves but feels like they are in control of the situation.
However, as the song continues, there is a sense of unease with the path that has been chosen. The line "that's the boat I row" is repeated multiple times, almost as if the persona is trying to convince themselves that the path they have chosen is the right one. The endless problems that are being faced could refer to the struggles that come with making a difficult choice, and the realization that the chosen path may not have a clear end.
The chorus of the song repeats "problems, relentless" which could be interpreted as the struggles that come with the path that one has chosen, but the persona is determined to keep going despite these challenges. They are aware that they may not have made the perfect choice, but they refuse to dwell on these negative feelings.
Overall, "The boat I row" appears to be about the challenges of making choices and gaining confidence in oneself. It speaks to the struggle of navigating through life and accepting the choices that have been made even in the face of endless problems.
Line by Line Meaning
Many ways to go
There are many paths to take.
It's hard to self-assure
It's difficult to be confident in your choices.
When everyone's a pro
There are always people who act like they know everything.
Sayin', "It's so obvious"
They claim that something is apparent or clear without considering other perspectives.
But really they don't know (they don't know)
In reality, they truly don't have any understanding of the situation.
Just like a monster (they don't know shit)
Their opinions are like a terrifying creature with no real substance.
That is only a shadow (a shadow)
Their thoughts are insubstantial and fleeting.
From which you're already runnin'
You're already escaping these superficial opinions.
Easy, I suppose
It would be simple to give up.
And even if it takes a
Regardless of how long it may take,
Hundred-thousand goes
Or how many attempts it may take,
The way's in front of me
The path I must take is clear.
'Cause that's the one I chose (I chose)
It's the decision I've made, and I'm sticking to it.
It's always starin' at you (barely a choice)
It feels as though it's not really a choice and is instead always present.
That's the boat I row (I row)
It's the situation I'm in, and I'm working through it.
And though it seems to be endless
Despite it appearing to be never-ending,
Problems, relentless
The difficulties keep coming without cessation.
I know I'm oblivious
I understand that I'm not completely aware of all the factors present.
Bit overzealous
Perhaps I'm slightly too enthusiastic in my approach.
And possibly jealous
It's possible that I'm feeling envious of other's paths or progress.
I run 'til I'm breathless
I push myself to the limit.
Tried to suppress it
I attempted to control my emotions.
I couldn't bear it
But I wasn't able to handle it.
So onward I go
So I continue on with determination.
Endless
It feels like it will never stop.
Problems, relentless
The obstacles I face keep appearing without stopping.
I know I'm oblivious
I'm aware that I may be overlooking some things.
Bit overzealous
Maybe I'm a bit too enthusiastic about my goals.
And possibly jealous
I might be envious of others' successes and paths.
I run 'til I'm breathless
I exert myself to achieve my objectives.
Tried to suppress it
I tried to ignore my desires and emotions.
I couldn't bear it
I was unable to handle the situation in that way.
So onward I go
Therefore, I continue moving forward with resolve.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Kevin Parker
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bellamorts
[Verse 1]
Many ways to go
It's hard to self-assure when everyone's a pro
Sayin', "It's so obvious," but really they don't know
(They don't know, man or machine)
Just like a monster that is only a shadow (A shadow)
From which I'm already runnin'
[Verse 2]
Easy, I suppose
And even if it takes a hundred-thousand goes
The way's in front of me 'cause that's the one I chose
(I chose, barely a choice)
It's always starin' at you, that's the boat I row (I row)
And though it seems to be
[Chorus]
Endless
Problems, relentless
I know I'm oblivious
Bit overzealous
Possibly jealous
I run 'til I'm breathless
Try to suppress it
I couldn't bear it, so onward I go
[Verse 3]
Many ways to go
It's hard to self-assure when everyone's a pro
Sayin' "It's so obvious," but really they don't know
(They don't know, man or machine)
Just like a monster that is only a shadow (A shadow)
But you're already runnin'
[Chorus]
Endless
Problems, relentless
I know I'm oblivious
Bit overzealous
Possibly jealous
I run 'til I'm breathless
Try to suppress it
I couldn't bear it, so onward I go
@user-ff6no6jv1d
It’s honestly fucking impressive how the majority of your songs are a whole new experience in my ears
@SeektheLordsface
Truth, which is Jesus Christ,would actually be a better experience for your ears, for they will or would come to know their creators voice
@TheHumorgod
@@SeektheLordsface Then how come Jesus hasn't dropped even so much as a single in like 2,000 years?
@SeektheLordsface
@@TheHumorgod is that coming from a person who thinks chance created life?
@SeektheLordsface
@@TheHumorgod do you have blind faith that life began from nothing?
@ab8jeh
@@SeektheLordsface I don't think you're equating events correctly. Even if God is the creator of life the universe and everything, you haven't answered why Jesus hasn't released a single in the last 2000 years.
@FrancisBk
I die a little when I think of all the unreleased gems from this man we'll probably never get to hear
@ULTRAVISTA.
I die a lot. More and more everyday
@bethsaitz5731
THIS!!!
@tonydarko67
You’re making me fucking cry. Stop.