A Heart's Anchor: The Weight of Letting Go | Saint Bernard | Lincoln


"Saint Bernard" by Lincoln is a raw and deeply touching song that has pulled at the heartstrings of many listeners. Painted with vivid metaphors and swathed in the colors of sentimentality, Lincoln takes us on a journey embedded in poignant emotions through this song.
The song begins painting a picture of an old and loyal Saint Bernard, who has given years of service to his master. While initially seeming like a simple narrative about a loyal dog, all is not as it appears on first scan. The symbolism embedded in the song holds significant depth. The figure of the Saint Bernard is used by Lincoln to personify aspects of nostalgia, unconditional love, and the pains that come with growing up and growing old.
An especially noteworthy lyrical point of the song comes in when Lincoln croons, "You were the best thing about me, with you gone, I don't know where my heart is." This reflects an emotional arc of loss and recovery. When one loses someone or something dear, it often feels like a part of oneself is missing. The despair accompanied by such a feeling is what Lincoln sheds light on. Lincoln uses figurative speech and heart-wrenching imageries to exhibit the feelings of abrupt, sharp loss that punches a gaping, searing hole in peoples’ hearts.
Furthermore, the song is a testament to the stages one goes through in life and how it is interwoven with the people (and pets) that share our journey. It presents a touching ode to a beloved pet who was a true and loyal companion through significant portions of one's life. The love between a pet and its owner, fraught with unconditional love and poignant goodbyes, is beautifully embodied in Lincoln’s "Saint Bernard".
In its essence, the deep-seated messages in Lincoln's "Saint Bernard" revolve around love, loss, nostalgia, resilience, and the many faces of growth. It portrays how sometimes, the simple, unassuming love we receive from pets can save us and shape us, helping us navigate life’s obstacles. The song's emotive weight and ability to strike chords within listeners demonstrate Lincoln’s adept hand at treading the fine line of emotional and narrative depth. An exploration down the layered meanings of "Saint Bernard" unfurls a rich bouquet of feelings, creating a bittersweet yet heartening emotional experience for all listeners.
