The Meaning Behind The Song: I Follow Rivers by Lykke Li
Swedish singer-songwriter Lykke Li released “I Follow Rivers” in 2011 as the second single from her album, “Wounded Rhymes.” The song became a massive hit, charting in multiple countries and earning critical acclaim. Despite its commercial success, “I Follow Rivers” remains a mystery for many listeners. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind the song and answer some frequently asked questions related to this masterpiece.
Table of Contents
The Inspiration Behind “I Follow Rivers”
In an interview with Clash Music, Lykke Li revealed that the inspiration for “I Follow Rivers” came from a moment of heartbreak. She said, “It came out of a really dark time in my life. When you’re heartbroken, you feel like a pathetic animal. So, ‘I follow you, deep sea baby’ means, like, ‘I’m lost and I’ll follow you to the ends of the earth basically.” The lyrics capture the feeling of being consumed by someone else and giving up everything to follow them.
The Symbolism of the River
The river is a powerful symbol in “I Follow Rivers.” Lykke Li uses the river to represent her desire to follow the person she loves, even if it means going through dangerous and uncertain waters. In an interview with The Telegraph, she explained, “The things that scare me the most are death and love, so I’m sort of hinting at both of them being close by in this song.”
The Catchy Melody
Apart from the poignant lyrics, “I Follow Rivers” is also known for its catchy melody. The song starts with a simple guitar riff and then builds up to an explosive chorus. According to Lykke Li, the melody came to her in a dream. She said, “It all starts with the melody. A melody can make you feel something before you even understand what’s happening.”
The Music Video
The music video for “I Follow Rivers” is a visually stunning piece of art. Directed by Tarik Saleh, the video features Lykke Li wandering through the Moroccan desert, wearing a red dress and carrying a burning torch. The video perfectly captures the song’s themes of passion, determination, and self-discovery.
The Critical Reception
“I Follow Rivers” received universal acclaim from music critics. Rolling Stone described it as “a perfect little pop song” and The Guardian called it “effortless, and yet majestic.” The song also earned Lykke Li a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording.
FAQs
1. What is the meaning of “I Follow Rivers?”
“I Follow Rivers” is about a person’s willingness to follow someone they love to the ends of the earth, even if it means going through dangerous and uncertain waters.
2. Who is Lykke Li?
Lykke Li is a Swedish singer-songwriter known for her unique sound that blends pop, indie, and electronic music.
3. What was the inspiration behind “I Follow Rivers?”
Lykke Li wrote “I Follow Rivers” during a difficult time in her life after experiencing heartbreak.
4. What does the river symbolize in the song?
The river is a symbol of the dangerous and uncertain journey that the protagonist is willing to take to follow the person they love.
5. What was the critical reception to “I Follow Rivers?”
“I Follow Rivers” received critical acclaim, with many critics praising its catchy melody and poignant lyrics.
6. What is the music video for “I Follow Rivers” about?
The music video for “I Follow Rivers” features Lykke Li wandering through the Moroccan desert, symbolizing the themes of passion, determination, and self-discovery in the song.
7. What kind of music does Lykke Li make?
Lykke Li’s music is a unique blend of pop, indie, and electronic music.
8. Has Lykke Li won any awards for “I Follow Rivers?”
“I Follow Rivers” earned Lykke Li a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording.
9. Who directed the music video for “I Follow Rivers?”
The music video for “I Follow Rivers” was directed by Tarik Saleh.
10. What impact did “I Follow Rivers” have on Lykke Li’s career?
“I Follow Rivers” helped to establish Lykke Li as a rising star in the music industry, earning her critical acclaim and a growing fan base.
11. What was Lykke Li’s creative process for writing “I Follow Rivers”?
Lykke Li revealed that the melody for “I Follow Rivers” came to her in a dream, and she built the lyrics and arrangement around it.
12. What themes are explored in “I Follow Rivers?”
“I Follow Rivers” explores themes of love, passion, determination, and self-discovery. It captures the feeling of being consumed by someone else and giving up everything to follow them.
