The Tide Will Rise features: Bruce Hornsby (piano, vocals); Jimmy Haslip (bass); John Molo (drums); Pat Metheny (rhythm guitar, guitar); Bonnie Raitt (backing vocals); Debbie Henry (backing vocals); Laura Creamer (backing vocals); Jean McClain (backing vocals); John Dearth (horns.); George A. Gailes III (horns.); Roy Muth (horns.); Tim Streagle (horns.); Glenn Wilson (horns.); George Harple (French horns); Philip Koslow (French horns); Adam Lesnick (French horns); Alan B. Paterson (French horns).
The Tide Will Rise meaning of the song
In “The Tide Will Rise,” Bruce Hornsby presents a compassionate portrayal of the lives of Virginia fishermen, exploring themes of resilience, hope, and the harsh realities of a changing world. The song captures the struggles of those who rely on the sea for their livelihood while reflecting on the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of change.
Struggles and resilience
The opening lines reveal the uncertainty inherent in the fishing life. Phrases like “Sometimes I get lucky / Most times I come up short” set the tone for the struggle and unpredictability of the profession. The repeated mention of “pull up the lines” indicates the hard work and physicality of fishing, while “move around the bend” suggests the necessity of adaptability in the face of challenges.
The lyric “They say it’s a dying breed / They say it’s going to disappear” reflects a sense of foreboding about the future of traditional fishing practices. This sentiment resonates with many industries facing decline due to environmental changes, economic pressures, and modernization.
The cyclical nature of life
The chorus—”The tide will rise / And the tide will fall”—symbolises the ebb and flow of life. It serves as a reminder that despite the hardships, there are cycles of renewal and hope. The fishermen are portrayed as steadfast in their commitment to their way of life, as they “will be out on the water / Before the break of dawn.” This dedication speaks to their connection to the land and sea, as well as their determination to continue working, even when faced with uncertainty.
The imagery of nature is prevalent throughout the song. Lines like “Full moon it was always best” and “Red sky in the evening” are both references to traditional maritime lore, suggesting that the natural world offers guidance and hope for better days ahead. These lines highlight the importance of the environment in the lives of the fishermen, who rely on its patterns for their livelihoods.
Hope and perseverance
The verse “When the seed is broken / Nothing left to grow on” explores the theme of loss and the struggle to recover from setbacks. The metaphor of planting seeds signifies the hope for future success, and the pain of losing that potential is palpable. The refrain emphasizes resilience: “Never bowed to no one / Always went my own way,” portraying the fishermen as independent spirits who confront adversity head-on.
In the concluding lines, Hornsby repeats the cycle of rising and falling tides, reinforcing the idea that life continues despite challenges. The phrase “Oh, we’ll be working on the water / When the long, long day is gone” suggests that the fishermen will persist in their efforts, finding purpose and identity in their work.
Cultural references
The song evokes the rich cultural heritage of fishing communities along the Virginia coast, highlighting the connection between people and their environment. This connection is crucial in understanding the lifestyle and challenges faced by those in this profession, as it reflects broader themes of sustainability and tradition in the face of change.
In summary, “The Tide Will Rise” captures the essence of a way of life marked by struggle and perseverance. Through its vivid imagery and themes of resilience, the song serves as a poignant reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the enduring spirit of those who depend on the sea.
Your further thoughts
It has already been shown throughout “lyric views” how Bruce Hornsby has demonstrated a concern for general social and human issues. This song is clearly another case in point. In fact, we might link this song with Look Out Any Window from Scenes from the Southside. In that song, Bruce hinted at the plight of the man “sitting in a boat, pulling lines from the water, just trying to stay afloat, filling nets is getting harder.”
The Tide Will Rise develops the plight of the small fisherman. Again, Hornsby has probably based this song on a theme from his native Virginia. In this case, the Chesapeake Bay tidal water. However, as with most of his songs, they can be applied to situations all over the world, (as the beleaguered cockle pickers (and Hornsby fans) of the Carmarthenshire coastline in south west Wales will testify!)
There is very little to develop in terms of the lyrics, it’s quite straightforward. However, one point to note is that in almost all of Hornsby’s songs of social interest, he tends to concentrate on the human aspect, rather than overtly attack any specific political individual or administrative organisation, as he did once in Defenders of the Flag.
So in The Tide Will Rise, we get a sense of perpetual struggle, both against the elements and the changing environmental conditions.
“Sometimes I get lucky, most times I come up short…” “..Red sky in the evening, better times are coming, they say, but why do I feel like it’s all coming to an end?”
However, there is an equally strong emotion, that is the pride and independence of the small fisherman.
“Never bowed to no one, always went my own way…Broke down, run aground, but I won’t run away”
I’m not too keen on the synth instrumental at this point. I think there was a chance here for one of those brief but sweet guitar solos from Marinelli (see The Show Goes On, Scenes for the Southside.) However, this is splitting hairs. This song is an inspiring one for me, as I am entirely dependent upon the sometimes equally precarious occupation of busking for a living.
Carwyn Tywyn
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The Tide Will Rise
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Washington, DC
Band show; audience recording
November 10 2000