Delta

Mumford and Sons lyrics are almost always rich with literary references, Biblical allusions, and that ever so postmodern open-to-interpretation quality. This, combined with their wonderful musicality, make them a popular band for people like me who like music that makes you think. And their newest album released late last year had one of the better songs of the decade, certainly the best of 2018.

“Delta” has some intricate imagery. A delta can be an area created where a river lets out into a sea, mixing salt and fresh water and forming a triangular shape of land. (Triangular, reminiscent of the Greek letter Delta.) It is also a mathematical concept that symbolizes among other things, change.

The song goes through some big changes itself and makes references to the changes that happen in life and in relationships. More than anything, though, it defines the foundation of good, solid relationships in a repeated phrase:

Does my love prefer the other?
Does my love just make me feel good?

In today’s culture, the definition of love is the later. We “love” people and things that make us feel a certain way. Those that benefit us. It is a very self-focused idea. By contrast, the idea the song argues for—and a Biblical version of the concept—is other-focused. We love the people whom we are willing to die for… or who we will give our lives trying to serve. We want their best. We do what they need. We put ourselves in their shoes.

According to “Delta” this is an essential quality of life towards all.

But what have I if I have not love?
I am a waste.
My words are empty vessels if I do nothing in this place.