I googled it: In a press release, Sting says, “The song ‘Rushing Water’ is a fitting start to an album that seeks to bridge all of the petty differences that can separate us.” Also it depends on what part of the song you’re referring to, most songs can be up for interpretation. This refers to the biblical story of Jonah: I remember the story of Jonah He was trapped in the belly of a whale How many times must he succeed? How many times must he fail?