Single Review: Rivers by Mara Liddell

Mara Liddel’s "Rivers" is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of self-doubt, resilience, and the slow, often painful process of self-acceptance. The song’s lyrics weave a tapestry of exhaustion, longing, and fleeting moments of peace, mirroring the ebb and flow of a river—both in its literal and metaphorical sense.

The opening lines—"Need a cup of coffee and I’ll be good / Why am I so worried I’m a failure"—immediately set the tone. The narrator feels trapped in a cycle of fatigue and inadequacy, a sentiment many can relate to. The repetition of *"Took a long time"* underscores the weariness of the journey, as if growth and self-discovery are not just challenges but Sisyphean struggles. Yet, there’s a quiet defiance in the acknowledgment: "Now I’m feeling alright."

This duality—feeling broken while also finding small moments of peace—is the song’s emotional core. It’s a reminder that healing isn’t linear, and self-acceptance often comes in fragments.

The recurring imagery of rivers flowing into the ocean is poetic and layered. Rivers symbolize life’s journey—its twists, currents, and inevitable destination. The ocean, vast and encompassing, represents acceptance, surrender, or perhaps the subconscious mind where all emotions converge.

"All roads lead back to you / All rivers flow into the ocean" suggests a return to something fundamental—whether it’s a person, an ideal, or one’s true self. The "high tide" and "fall into the tide" lines evoke a sense of being overwhelmed by emotions, yet also finding solace in surrender. There’s a baptismal quality to "Erode me in time / Head under, baptised," hinting at transformation through struggle.

The line "Light follows you round wherever you move / And I reach out to touch it but it cuts through" is particularly striking. It captures the frustration of feeling like someone else (or something else) is effortlessly radiant while you’re left grappling with shadows. The "light" could symbolize success, confidence, or even another person’s presence, which feels just out of reach. Yet, the narrator’s resilience shines through in the resolve to "see the sunrise" and "let it wash over."

The song’s structure mirrors its themes. The repetition of "Took a long time" and "Feeling alright" creates a rhythmic pulse, much like the tides or a slow, steady heartbeat. This cyclicality reinforces the idea that emotions—whether exhaustion, doubt, or fleeting peace—are not linear but recurring. The final lines, "Fall into the tide,"suggest a return to the emotional depths, but also the possibility of renewal.

The beauty of Liddle’s writing lies in its honesty. There’s no false hope or forced optimism—just the raw, unfiltered acknowledgment of the journey. And in that honesty, there’s comfort."Rivers" is a poignant, introspective track that lingers long after the last note fades. It’s a song for the weary, the self-doubters, and anyone who’s ever found peace in the chaos. 

Stream Rivers here!