☝️ Key Points
- The text is about a family that survives a flood that threatens their home and livelihood.
- Despite the challenges, the family members remain hopeful and determined to survive and flee to a safe country.
- The repeated questions 'How high's the water, mama/papa?' symbolize the growing concern and fear of the rising water.
- The family takes practical measures to escape the floods and realizes that they can only return when the water has receded.
- The song is a tribute to human resilience and the belief that even in difficult times, good things can happen.
Interpretation
The song 'Five Feet High and Risin'' by
Johnny Cash is a depiction of endurance and hope in times of natural disasters. The lyrics of the song describe a family facing a flood that destroys their home and surroundings. The repeated question 'How high's the water, mama/papa?' shows the growing concern and fear of the rising water.
Despite the losses and challenges caused by the flood, such as the loss of beehives and the fact that their cows are standing knee-deep in water, the family remains determined and hopeful. They build a boat to reach the road and plan to escape by bus and then by train to reach higher and safer land.
The song ends with the realization that they cannot return until the water has receded. This song is a tribute to human resilience and the belief that even in difficult times, good things can come, as hinted in the first verse. It is about finding hope and strength amidst adversity.