by George Spencer· Published · Updated
Greta Van Fleet’s third studio album, “Starcatcher”, was released on 21 July 2023 as a product of Republic Records and Lava Records. Along with it came “The Archer”, the eighth song on its 10-track playlist. All four members of Greta Van Fleet — Josh Kiszka, Jake Kiszka, Sam Kiszka and Daniel Wagner – get credit for writing this song alongside Dave Cobb, who produced the album.
');var c=function(){cf.showAsyncAd(opts)};if(typeof window.cf !== 'undefined')c();else{cf_async=!0;var r=document.createElement("script"),s=document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];r.async=!0;r.src="//";r.readyState?r.onreadystatechange=function(){if("loaded"==r.readyState||"complete"==r.readyState)r.onreadystatechange=null,c()}:r.onload=c;s.parentNode.insertBefore(r,s)}; })();What do the lyrics of “The Archer” mean?
Good luck trying to make sense out of what these lyrics are talking about. Or let’s say that they’re open-ended and therefore can be interpreted in different ways.
For instance, it’s established that the reason the vocalist is calling himself “the archer” is because he’s armed with “a bow” that represents “vengeance”, as well as “arrows” which symbolize “justice when fired”. But who exactly he’s trying to get revenge and justice from is not specified.
');var c=function(){cf.showAsyncAd(opts)};if(typeof window.cf !== 'undefined')c();else{cf_async=!0;var r=document.createElement("script"),s=document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];r.async=!0;r.src="//";r.readyState?r.onreadystatechange=function(){if("loaded"==r.readyState||"complete"==r.readyState)r.onreadystatechange=null,c()}:r.onload=c;s.parentNode.insertBefore(r,s)}; })();Besides the singer there are only two other characters mentioned, the “devil” and one “Sara”, with the former only being referenced once. As for Sara, it can be presumed that she’s the vocalist’s significant other, since he goes on to mention ‘his bride’ and the “emptiness” and “heaviness” he’s feeling due to her absence. And since that’s the most discernible and straightforward sentiment expressed in this entire song, perhaps we can also presume that this is one of heartbreak.
But those are in fact presumptions since once again, there is no part of “The Archer” which brings all that’s being put forth together. But going out on a limb, one way of understanding it, since the second verse implies that the “devil” is the vocalist’s target, is as alluding to Josh’s desire to make things right with Sara.
