Down Where the Rabbits Run

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a pastoral innocence that is inevitably corrupted by the harsh realities of the world. The opening verse establishes a sense of shared experience, following stone walls as day ends, finding solace "Down where the rabbits run." This idyllic setting is contrasted with the nature of men, "wrought of wisdom and violence wrought of song," hinting at a duality that will soon intrude. The second verse introduces a starker natural order. Birds, seemingly free, are unaware of the struggle against the wind, but their peace is temporary. The introduction of predators like cats hunting ravens underscores that even this seemingly safe haven is subject to a predatory hierarchy, a cycle of hunger and pursuit. The narrative shifts to a more personal and somber tone in the third verse. The path taken has led into autumn, and the fields left behind are now barren. The "colors burn so naked" under the sun, suggesting a raw, exposed vulnerability. This setting becomes "the mirror of my madness," indicating a profound internal distress linked to this place. The final verse directly addresses a plea against violence and coercion. The narrator hopes not to be forced to "raise an arm or kill," recognizing that those who advocate for reason often do so with weapons. The stark contrast is drawn between the justifications for violence among men and the absence of such conflict "Down where the rabbits run," a place that now seems to represent a lost or unattainable state of peace.