Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: folk
Song Meaning of “Noccalula” by Waxahatchee
Waxahatchee’s song “Noccalula” is a tribute to the sacred waterfall of the same name in Piedmont, Alabama, where Katie Crutchfield, the performer and songwriter behind Waxahatchee, finds refuge in the beauty of nature. Her lyrics present the complex story of a woman who has been wronged and needs to find a way out.
The song begins with a gentle strum and ambient melodies that set an earthy, crystal-clear tone for the song. The title, referring to the waterfall, is shown to be a source of solace and a safe haven for the protagonist from the harshness of her everyday life. The chorus resonates further as Katie reflects on how the cycle of nature can help her cope with her struggles: “All the rivers and the trees, she’s the same in spite of the leaves”.
In the following verses, Katie voices her anguish—she has been betrayed and she can’t bring the love back. Her heart is broken, her life is a “river full of miseries”. Anytime she feels her world crashing down, she desperately turns to memories of the waterfall for comfort.
The bridge marks a moment of surrender and letting go; she is calling out for something greater that can restore her faith. She needs time to find her own way, her own truth and to accept her mistakes.
The final chorus embodies strength and resilience; it’s a defiant celebration that the protagonist is reclaiming her lost faith in love and life. She can finally look up to the stars and find her way back. Much like the waters of Noccalula, this song is truly a soothing reminder that we can find courage even in our darkest moments, overcome any obstacle, and live free with a newfound faith.