Song meaning of Река (River) by Земфира (Zemfira)

The song "Река" (River) by Земфира (Zemfira) tells a story of emotional turmoil and self-destructive behavior. The lyrics describe the narrator's internal chaos, as they confess to feeling lost and raising their hands in despair on a lighthouse. They ask not to be judged and question why things have turned out this way. The mention of finding a body in the river implies a tragic event, perhaps a suicide.

The narrator writes a letter in their notebook, leaving an ellipsis at the end, suggesting their unfinished thoughts. They express a desperate need to do anything but go to sleep, signifying their inability to find peace. The search for their own face in the mirror, portrayed as seeking someone else's presence, illustrates their struggle with self-identity and the need for external validation.

The second verse reveals an intense, unheard-of pain and a desire to fall or give up. The narrator acknowledges a connection between themselves and alcohol, presenting it as a controlling force. The mention of lights in the high-rise buildings and meeting someone "light," metaphorically implies an encounter with relief or salvation. However, the revelation that a body was found in the river that morning suggests that their pursuit of escape or connection ultimately leads to tragedy.

Overall, the lyrics of "Река" convey a sense of inner turmoil, loneliness, and the destructive power of one's own emotions. It explores themes of identity, desperation, and the search for meaning in life, highlighting the consequences of internal struggles and self-destructive tendencies.