Icebound Stream
Veirs Laura Lyrics


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Watch, I can flash across the sky
A lightning bolt from up on high
And I can crash into myself
Now a flower blooms in reverse
And a song takes back a verse
A photograph fades to white

I can hold a thunderhead in my heart
And in my bed I can dream a winter's gale
And wake up drenched
A stormy pale, a stormy pale

A battered heath on the shore
Will make her keep and wait for more
But underneath her icebound stream
The water pours, the water pours





I can hold a thunderhead in my heart…

Overall Meaning

The song "Icebound Stream" by Laura Veirs talks about the powerful ability of nature to transform our lives. The opening lines of the song refer to the potential for a sudden and unexpected change that can occur in life, represented by the metaphor of a lightning bolt from up on high. This sudden change can be turbulent and difficult to understand, but it can also lead to new growth and revelations. For instance, the flower blooms in reverse and the song takes back a verse, implying that what was once hidden or lost can be rediscovered or uncovered.


The second verse continues with the theme of the power of nature, highlighting the intensity of emotions and dreams that can be experienced. The metaphor of holding a thunderhead in one's heart emphasizes the force of emotions that can be felt, which can be either liberating or destructive. The final lines of the verse speak of being engulfed in a winter's gale and waking up drenched, which suggests being overcome by a powerful force that can leave a lasting impact.


The final verse shifts focus to an image of a battered heath on the shore and an icebound stream beneath its surface. This represents the hidden potential and life that can exist within even the most damaged and seemingly lifeless landscapes. The water that still flows beneath the surface of the frozen stream suggests that hope and vitality can exist even in the harshest of environments. The song ultimately portrays nature as a source of transformation and beauty that can help us navigate the challenges of life.


Line by Line Meaning

Watch, I can flash across the sky
I am capable of making a grand entrance and catching everyone's attention


A lightning bolt from up on high
I possess immense power and can make an impact from above


And I can crash into myself
I am not afraid of confrontation and am willing to confront my own flaws


Now a flower blooms in reverse
I am able to bring life to even the most unlikely of places and situations


And a song takes back a verse
I have control over my own experiences and can change my own narrative


A photograph fades to white
Memories can fade and disappear over time


I can hold a thunderhead in my heart
I am capable of experiencing intense emotions and holding onto them


And in my bed I can dream a winter's gale
Even in my subconscious, I am able to experience intense emotions


And wake up drenched
My emotions can have a physical effect on me


A stormy pale, a stormy pale
My emotions are intense and powerful, leaving me feeling drained


A battered heath on the shore
The landscape is rugged and worn down from the elements


Will make her keep and wait for more
The environment is sturdy and will continue to endure


But underneath her icebound stream
Beneath the surface, there is still movement and life


The water pours, the water pours
Life continues to flow and thrive, even in difficult circumstances




Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: LAURA VEIRS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Jay Fortran

just a stunning track - genius!

jrh11254

Nothing better than, “a stormy pale, a stormy pale” (dare i exclaim? YES)!

cormac o colmain

Christ a decade & a half since this was released
Still eerily brilliant

Jeffrey Stevens

right? I just discovered this cd while rooting through old discarded cds in my university's radio station. I liked the cover art and ended up liking the music too!

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