when i first heard this song, the subject matter was ironic to me; i was in the process of getting too close to a friend about to move to london for six months. we both knew we would have to strike the advance, lest we get more attached to one another. in a way, i felt that the opening line described it all -- i felt that before she moved there, i never gave thought to the ocean being such a vast expanse between myself and another part of the world. i took for granted the fact that there was more. if was truely as if the ocean had suddenly sprung out of nowhere. it was very upsetting because she was like a muse to me, inspirational; and i did need her closer.
but stepping outside of that scenario, and attempting a more objective approach to the song, i felt that it was something completely different. i believe the ocean he speaks of is metaphorical, and the chronology of the song expands a much greater frame than the instant that it would seem. the first hint being the mention of the perforated sphere - the earth. perforated because there are so many gaps and holes between people living in different parts of the world. they are all isolated from one another, as if living on islands that shouldn't exist. at first people would be happy to live in their own lands, with their own cultures. they would feel free to live their lives the way that they choose: simple or fast-paced, isolated or closely-knit. but as a moat, the separation is keeping the rest of the world out, as a defense. he believes that attempts to extend friendship, or cross flooded lands, are becoming too difficult; that he as a solitary person, rowing his boat, cannot span that chasm.
a part of me still believes that there is something more personal to the song, from the obvious "i need you so much closer..." but it is potentially a call to 'you' as in general.
when i first heard this song, the subject matter was ironic to me; i was in the process of getting too close to a friend about to move to london for six months. we both knew we would have to strike the advance, lest we get more attached to one another. in a way, i felt that the opening line described it all -- i felt that before she moved there, i never gave thought to the ocean being such a vast expanse between myself and another part of the world. i took for granted the fact that there was more. if was truely as if the ocean had suddenly sprung out of nowhere. it was very upsetting because she was like a muse to me, inspirational; and i did need her closer.
but stepping outside of that scenario, and attempting a more objective approach to the song, i felt that it was something completely different. i believe the ocean he speaks of is metaphorical, and the chronology of the song expands a much greater frame than the instant that it would seem. the first hint being the mention of the perforated sphere - the earth. perforated because there are so many gaps and holes between people living in different parts of the world. they are all isolated from one another, as if living on islands that shouldn't exist. at first people would be happy to live in their own lands, with their own cultures. they would feel free to live their lives the way that they choose: simple or fast-paced, isolated or closely-knit. but as a moat, the separation is keeping the rest of the world out, as a defense. he believes that attempts to extend friendship, or cross flooded lands, are becoming too difficult; that he as a solitary person, rowing his boat, cannot span that chasm.
a part of me still believes that there is something more personal to the song, from the obvious "i need you so much closer..." but it is potentially a call to 'you' as in general.
thoughts?
i agree most definetly, about the line "i need you so much closer" as a statement to 'you' in general. Its brilliant.
i agree most definetly, about the line "i need you so much closer" as a statement to 'you' in general. Its brilliant.