Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: folk
Song Meaning of “Bottom of the River” by Delta Rae
“Bottom of the River” is a song by American folk band Delta Rae which details a woman’s story of being raised by a family of witches, trying to escape from them and from her destiny. The song is a metaphor for the struggles of growing up and trying to move past a traumatic and difficult childhood.
The song starts with the line “I was born in a house the river keeps,” which alludes to the idea that the woman was born into an environment of darkness and fear, with the river symbolizing the chaos and pain within her life. The song then introduces the idea of witches, recurring images throughout the song. Witches in the song represent the powerful forces that control her life: the demons of her past, her family, and society itself.
The lyrics describe her attempts to free herself, as she sings “So I let go my hand. I turned and ran, three steps ahead, I heard a cackling,” she reaches out for hope and determination to outrun her opponents, trying to follow her own path. Then in the chorus, she calls out to the setting sun as a symbol of freedom and light. In a time of chaos and confusion, she hopes that the sun will be the light which can guide her away.
The song ends with the singer trying to come to terms with her past and her experiences: “God the river was strong, the battle was long, but I’m here with you now. I’ve made it to the shore”. The final line might be interpreted as the woman finally accepting her past, and taking ownership of it, understanding that she has made it through her struggles and can now continue on her own path.
“Bottom of the River” is a heartfelt and powerful song which speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the ability to overcome even the most dark and despairing moments of life. It is a song of perseverance and hope.