In all the time that I've known you
You've been so edgy and nervous
I never wanted to own you
I was aware of the danger
Of making a bid for your favours
You're such a natural stranger
I made excuses and ran
You're an island
But I can't leave you all out at sea
You're so violent with your silence
You're an island
I can't sleep
Won't you speak to me
I'm on dry land
Won't you help me please
In all the time that I've known you
There has been something between us
I don't think it's my imagination
I felt like I couldn't touch you
But I had the feeling you'd love to
Tell me the truth if you could do
I made excuses and ran
You're an island
But I can't leave you all out at sea
You're so violent with your silence
You're an island I can't sleep
Won't you speak to me
I'm on dry land
Won't you help me please
The magic of these lyrics is that the usual metaphor is reversed: Rather than saying he's adrift and she's grounded--the usual presentation of this type of love song--he's saying that she's the one who is self-isolating, while he's desolate despite being on the mainland. Still, he is the one who ran, afraid...and is haunted by that and must return to plead with her.