Imagine a gloomy fall-scape; it’s chilly, but your bare hands are kept warm by the mug you hold. Now, put those emotions into a nostalgic “falling in love at a coffee shop” type song, and you get a glimpse of what award-winning singer songwriter, Loryn Taggart, offers us in “The River.”
Lovers of mellow folksy music or strong somber vocals need to listen to this song. It is a must. This emotional acoustic track gives listeners an intimate but simple look at the pain of unreciprocated love. Taggart’s soulful vocals propel the song and are complemented by sounds of airy string instruments; it’s a song that reminds me of the tender and artful Patrick Watson album Adventures in Your Own Backyard. For as minimalistic as it is, it feels almost orchestral.
The song is about Taggart’s experience of relocating for love, only to realize that it was one-sided. Taggart explained that “‘I need a man to cross the river’ is said in a sarcastic measure,” and she prompts of anyone who listens to the song:
“To look at their current relationships and really question why and how they serve their wellbeing. Start to question the balance between self-love and love given. It’s important you have people in your life that are willing to sacrifice for you, the way you would for them.”
As the song builds it approaches feelings of empowerment with the repeated lyric of “I can swim without him.” In the aftermath of heartbreak, Taggart discovers her own strength and turns to self-love and finding independence in her own individuality.
Follow Loryn Taggart
twitter // instagram // spotify
Read more: glimmers exemplify finding love within yourself and others on Cluttered Heart