Through The Glow
Veirs Laura Lyrics

In 'Through The Glow', Laura Veirs invites us on a journey into introspection and self-discovery. The opening lines, "Flat stone skipping the surface sink, into the golden deep, crawl inside like a honeybee, creep into the heart," paint a picture of someone searching for something deeper, trying to break through the surface to find inner peace. The metaphor of a stone skipping represents the fleeting moments of happiness or contentment, sinking as quickly as they appear. The honeybee, on the other hand, represents a careful and deliberate exploration, as she slowly inspects each flower and makes her way into the essence of it. Through this imagery, Veirs suggests that true happiness is found within one's own heart.

The chorus, "Give me snow and give me salt, troubles cracks and creaks, watch 'em tumble to the sea, come back 'round you see," is a call for self-improvement. She wants challenges (represented by snow and salt) that will allow her to grow and learn from her mistakes, rather than avoid them. Veirs understands that difficulties are a natural part of life, but rather than giving up or feeling defeated, she encourages herself to watch her troubles "tumble to the sea" and trust that they will make their way back to her, but with a newfound strength to face them. The repetition of "come back 'round you see" implies that the cycle continues and that life always presents new challenges to overcome.

In the second verse, Veirs speaks of the power of silence and reflection. "When you're slow, not stop-and-start, you can burn a memory." This line suggests that when one is fully present and taking their time, they are able to imprint an experience more deeply in their memory. The reference to burning suggests that this memory is permanent and significant. In a world where everything moves so quickly, Veirs reminds us of the importance of slowing down and being mindful.

The bridge of the song brings us back to the idea of unity and connection. "Gather with me like the gathering clouds, smooth the twisted lines, float above the quilted plains, up to the stars we'll strain." The imagery of clouds gathering and the lines smoothing suggests coming together and resolving conflicts, ultimately leading to reaching a higher state of being among the stars. The song ends with the repeated phrase "into the undertow," which could suggest being pulled back into the depths of introspection or even a hint at the idea of reincarnation, where we are continuously carried back "into the undertow." Ultimately, 'Through The Glow' is a song that celebrates the beauty of human experience, reminding us that growth, reflection, and connection are essential components of a fulfilling life.