Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: garage
Song Meaning of “Nettles” by Helvetia
Nettles by Helvetia speaks of embracing difficult times, and the power of transformation to come through them whilst retaining a strong sense of self. The narrator has been discouraged by life, feeling like the box they’re in has grown too small. Yet with this feeling comes a determination to push through and find new strength with the metaphor of growing an old, rough, nettle – symbolising the narrator’s determination to come out the other side, however harsh life may be.
In the lyrics, the narrator speaks of knowing “where the new growth has begun”, showing an awareness that this is about more than just making it through tough times, but rather about taking the opportunity to grow stronger. The wish expressed for “one more chance to grow old and behold” stresses how important transformation and growth is in this difficult time, and as the narrator then starts to imagine a place “filled with soft friendship”, we see a hopefulness of the narrator that through this transformation, they will come out of this dark period a much stronger person.
At the end of the song, the narrator stresses once again the importance of transformation by expressing a need to “shine through my own bush of thorns”, and being determined to show their “power in this form”. Despite all of life’s difficulties, the narrator is confident in their ability to push through and come out the other side stronger and more resilient.
This song is a beautiful testament to the will and courage of the human spirit, and a reminder that even during the toughest of times, with the right attitude, we can still come through magnificent.