Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: folk
Song Meaning of “Oats In The Water” by Ben Howard
Oats In The Water by Ben Howard is a melancholic folk song that speaks to the struggles of growing up and accepting one’s life as it is. Through the use of poetic language and symbolic imagery, Howard describes his life as a series of lessons that ultimately help him to better appreciate his experience.
The song starts by describing a state of not belonging; the repetition of the phrase ‘oats in the water’ shows how out of place he feels in society, as if nothing fits into the mold everyone else expects. This is backed up by imagery such as ‘sedatives and days of inclement weather’, as if the feelings of alienation and loneliness are dragging Howard down.
As the song progresses, the imagery and lyrics become more hopeful, referring to the idea of ‘learning’. The idea of ‘sowing old seeds’ symbolizes the importance of learning from the past and how experiences can shape an individual for the better. Howard sings about the moments of joy and laughter amidst his struggles, singing ‘laughter in the morn’ and ‘the old folks never warning’, showing that we can find pleasure in simple moments. Knowing that ‘all the little lessons’ he’s experienced can be turned into something meaningful gives him a renewed sense of purpose.
Ultimately, Oats In The Water is an anthem for embracing our struggles and imperfections. Howard shows us that we can take the lessons we learn from our experiences and use them to create change, and that it’s ok to find joy and laughter wherever you can. The song reminds us that even the toughest times can be looked back on with fondness if we have the courage to learn from them.