With influences ranging from artists such as Johnny Cash, The Beatles, Ray La Montagne, and Bob Dylan, The Riverside brings warm, welcoming, and honest music reminiscent of The Head and the Heart, The Lumineers, and The Civil Wars.
Petra
the riverside Lyrics
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Clutched in hand, this heart of stone
And from here see the sun unfold
It calls to me in depths of these caverns low
It calls to me
So chip away at this heart You see
Statues from Medusa's gleam
Release me from the depths of this cavern bed
Release me from this cavern bed
As I rise, with the dawn of new mornings light
I dread to fight the stone in the gorgons eyes
As I rise, with the dawn of new mornings light
Well it won′t be long until
I am petrified
And you the shield that surrounds me
And you are the wings on my feet to flee the dark
And I am so blind, without you
I am so blind
So chip away at this heart You see
Statues from Medusa's gleam
And my fears held in my chest
Release me from the depths of this cavern bed
Release me from this cavern
The lyrics of the song "Petra" by The Riverside convey a deep sense of being trapped and seeking liberation. The singer finds themselves settled in a familiar cove, holding onto a heart of stone. From this vantage point, they can witness the unfolding of the sun, which calls out to them from the depths of the caverns. There is a longing to be released from the grip of fear and the confinement of this cavern bed.
The reference to Medusa's gleam reminds the listener of the mythological creature whose gaze turned people into stone. The singer pleads for this heart of stone to be chipped away, releasing them from its petrifying effects, much like the victims of Medusa. The dawn of new morning's light brings a sense of hope of breaking free, but there is a fear of encountering the stone in the gorgon's eyes, suggesting an inner struggle to overcome personal demons.
The lyrics also speak of someone who serves as a shield and wings of support for the singer. This person provides protection and helps them navigate through the darkness. Without this companion, the singer feels blind and reliant on their presence.
Overall, "Petra" by The Riverside explores themes of imprisonment, fear, and the desire for liberation. It is a heartfelt plea to break free from the confines of emotional and psychological barriers.
Line by Line Meaning
Settled down in this cove I've known
I have found comfort and familiarity in this secluded place
Clutched in hand, this heart of stone
I am holding tightly onto a heart that has become hardened and unfeeling
And from here see the sun unfold
I can witness the beauty of the sunrise from this vantage point
It calls to me in depths of these caverns low
There is a longing that resonates deep within me
It calls to me
The pull towards something greater cannot be ignored
So chip away at this heart You see
Please help me break free from the emotional barriers I have built
Statues from Medusa's gleam
The things that petrify me are capturing my attention like Medusa's gaze
And my fears held in my chest
I am carrying my fears within me, weighing me down
Release me from the depths of this cavern bed
Free me from the suffocating darkness I find myself in
Release me from this cavern bed
Liberate me from the confines of my own emotional prison
As I rise, with the dawn of new mornings light
With each new day, I face the challenge of overcoming my fears
I dread to fight the stone in the Gorgon's eyes
I am afraid of confronting the paralyzing gaze of my anxieties
Well, it won't be long until I am petrified
If I don't confront my fears soon, I will become immobilized by them
And you, the shield that surrounds me
You provide me with protection and support
And you are the wings on my feet to flee the dark
You give me the courage and strength to escape from my darkness
And I am so blind, without you
I am lost and directionless without your guidance
I am so blind
I am unable to see the path forward on my own
Writer(s): Jacob Jeanson
Contributed by John J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.