Oats In the Water

Go your way, I'll take the long way 'round, I'll find my own way down, As I should. And hold your gaze There's coke in the Midas touch A joke in the way that we rust, And breathe again. And you'll find loss And you'll fear what you found When weather comes Tearing down There'll be oats in the water There'll be birds on the ground There'll be things you never asked her Oh how they tear at you now Go your way, I'll take the long way 'round, I'll find my own way down, As I should. And hold your gaze There's coke in the Midas touch A joke in the way that we rust, And breathe again. And you'll find loss And you'll fear what you found When weather comes Tearing down There'll be oats in the water There'll be birds on the ground There'll be things you never asked her Oh how they tear at you now

Composer: Benjamin John Howard

In-depth Analysis of 'Oats In the Water' by LyricLens AI

Ben Howard's 'Oats In the Water' is a hauntingly beautiful and introspective track that delves deep into themes of self-discovery, disillusionment, and the acceptance of life's inevitable changes. The song opens with a declaration of individual path-finding: 'Go your way, I'll take the long way 'round, I'll find my own way down, As I should.' This sets a tone of solitude and a quiet determination to face one's destiny, however winding or difficult it may be.

The imagery of 'coke in the Midas touch' and 'a joke in the way that we rust' speaks to a bitter realization about the corrupting nature of success or human endeavors, and the inherent decay within existence. It's a poignant reflection on the transient nature of things once thought golden or permanent. The repeated warning 'And you'll find loss, And you'll fear what you found, When weather comes, Tearing down' serves as a stark reminder of life's unpredictable challenges and the emotional toll they take.

Central Metaphors:

'Oats in the water': This evocative phrase suggests something scattered, diluted, or irrevocably mixed into an environment, perhaps representing scattered dreams, lost innocence, or a situation that cannot be undone.
'Birds on the ground': This could symbolize disruption in the natural order, vulnerability, or a sign of something unsettling, possibly a metaphor for quiet desolation or unexpected consequences.

The song's melancholic atmosphere, combined with these rich metaphors, paints a picture of a soul grappling with personal truths and the harsh realities of the world. It’s a journey through acceptance of impermanence and the quiet strength found in navigating life's complex currents.

Q&A & Fun Facts: 'Oats In the Water' by Ben Howard

What is the main theme of 'Oats In the Water'?

'Oats In the Water' by Ben Howard primarily explores themes of solitude, personal journey, the inevitability of loss, and disillusionment with the superficial aspects of life. It’s a reflection on facing difficult truths and adapting to change.

What do 'oats in the water' and 'birds on the ground' symbolize?

These phrases are often interpreted as metaphors for disruption, natural decay, or a sense of disarray. 'Oats in the water' could imply something irrevocably mixed or lost, while 'birds on the ground' might suggest an unnatural state or a warning of impending challenges.

What does 'coke in the Midas touch' mean?

This line suggests a darker side to perceived success or prosperity. The 'Midas touch' traditionally turns everything to gold, but adding 'coke' (cocaine, a metaphor for something corrupting or addictive) implies that even what seems valuable can be tainted, leading to decay ('rust').

Fun Facts:

'Oats In the Water' was notably featured in popular TV shows like AMC's 'The Walking Dead' and NBC's 'The Blacklist', which significantly increased its exposure.
The song is from Ben Howard's 2012 'Burgh Island - EP', which marked a slightly darker, more experimental turn for the artist compared to his debut album.
The repetitive structure of the lyrics, particularly the chorus, contributes to its meditative and somewhat hypnotic quality, drawing listeners into its reflective mood.