Crossing Over

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a perilous journey, likening love to a melting river filled with treacherous ice. The immediate scene is one of instability and rapid change, where the "whole river is melting" and the couple must "skim along in great peril." This sets a tone of urgent, shared danger, emphasizing the precariousness of their situation and the relationship itself. The narrator's plea to be held up, "I am fat as a bloodhound, hold me up," reveals a vulnerability and dependence within this shared struggle. It’s a raw admission of needing support while simultaneously offering it, promising to carry the other person through the frigid waters. This duality highlights the complex give-and-take inherent in their commitment. The central tension arises from the search for stability in an inherently unstable environment. The narrator questions, "Where is something solid?" finding it only in the connection with their partner, stating, "Only you and me." This underscores the idea that their love, though described as a "great undulating raft, melting steadily," is the sole anchor in a world defined by "unfavorable aspect of things." The lyrics masterfully use the extended metaphor of the ice-choked river to explore the nature of commitment. The phrase "we are committed, we are going across this river willy-nilly" captures a sense of inevitability and shared destiny, regardless of the risks. The final lines, "The thing we have to learn is how to walk light," offer a poignant resolution, suggesting that true strength in their relationship lies not in finding solid ground, but in adapting to the fluidity and mastering the art of navigating uncertainty together. This focus on shared resilience and adaptation makes the lyrics resonate deeply.