Where the Volcano is Awake by Harry Kappen is a poetically uplifting and vivid approach to embracing new beginnings, letting go of the past, and finding passion in life’s present moments. Freedom and excitement are sensed in the words as one departs on their journey-both literally and metaphorically-with that special someone.

It opens the scene to a carefree ride: “rooftop’s open” and “the radio plays our song.” An image evoking a sense of release, perhaps. The characters feel the breeze on the “undulating road”-what a metaphor for life’s journey. Kappen employs nature-like imagery to enhance the experience of spontaneity and adventure.

Embracing this world, full of passion and fire, where the volcano’s awake” is the chorus that describes a world just completely filled with power and promise. The volcano can be metaphorically thought of here as raw power: raw emotion, transformation, and life’s moments that are always unpredictable yet exquisitely thrilling. While others may fear the volcano, in it, the speaker finds good fortune: “He makes this day a lucky day.” In this line, one catches an attitude of gratitude and acceptance for the fiery, sometimes explosive, nature of life.

He reflects, in the second stanza, how one has left all his misfortunes behind him, stepping into a new life with him. The line “Left my history, behind me, I start this life with you” shows more of renewal and the guts to move forward amidst haunting memories.

The song concludes with release words, “Let it go, feel the sun on your skin.” That’s an invitation, warm, a world full of possibility. Overall, words in “Where the Volcano is Awake” are a nice tribute to seizing the moment, letting go of fears, and finding joy in life’s unpredictability.