1,000 Oceans

Tori Amos

These tears I've cried
I've cried 1,000 oceans
and if it seems
I'm floating in the darkness
Well, I can't believe that I would keep
keep you from flying
And I would cry 1,000 more
If that's what it takes
to sail you home sail you home
Sail you home, sail you home

I'm aware what the rules are
But you know that I will run
You know that I will follow you
Over Silbury Hill through the solar field
You know that I will follow you
And if I find you, will you still remember
Playing at trains
Or does this little blue ball just fade away
Over Silbury Hill through the solar field
You know that I will follow you
I'm aware what the rules are
But you know that I will run
You know that I will follow you

These tears I've cried
I've cried 1,000 oceans
And if it seems I'm floating in the darkness
Well, I can't believe that I would keep
Keep you from flying
So I will cry 1,000 more
If that's what it takes to sail you home
Sail you home, sail you home, sail you home


Lyrics submitted by Novartza

1000 Oceans Lyrics as written by Tori Ellen Amos

Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing

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1,000 Oceans song meanings
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44 Comments

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  • +2
    General Comment
    One of my favorite Tori Amos's songs when I listen to this song it brings me back to an exact moment in my life when I was on a Greyhound bus going over the Bay Bridge to SanFrancisco looking out my window at the ocean below me. It's absolutely incredible how a song can bring you back to a particular moment in your life.
    Devilyou916on May 29, 2015   Link
  • +1
    General Comment
    .. probably one of the more unappreciated of Tori's songs. This one, it's one of my favourites. It details a kind of love that you can feel for someone.. Basically, the unrequited love. You feel it so much, and they feel nothing at all--"and I would cry 1000 more if that's what it takes to sail you home.." Self sacrifice.
    pragmaticpoetryon April 18, 2002   Link
  • +1
    General Comment
    This and professional widow. Tops!
    yolandion April 27, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    Tori wrote this song because her husband's father had died and it was difficult for her to help Mark in his grief... So one day she sat on the piano and played this song and Mark came by and sat by her side. He felt understood, it brought them both closer together again - it's hard for people to share grief, but Tori found a way for them... =)
    Teleluteon April 24, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    This is a heartbreakingly beautiful song, it actually made me cry the first time i heard it. To me, it is about unrequited love, and the music as well as the lyrics capture the pain and sacrifice that go into loving someone you know you'll never have.
    TusseyTheTerribleon July 06, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    Due to you I see the song now different two: I guess you came to the meaning of unrequited love by the lines "these tears i've cried i've cried 1000 oceans...i'm aware what the rules are.but you know that i will run, you know that i will follow you...", right ? - but then what does she mean with "well i can't believe that i would keep, keep you from flying"...she will refuse him if he would get to feel attracted to her some day ?...but she would cry "1000 more if that's what it takes to sail you home,sail you home sail you home"...yes she wants him after all
    AgathaKavkaon July 08, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    This has always been my favorite song of Tori's! I'm surprised more people haven't commented. I always feel like crying when I hear this. The words are so emotional!
    KendraEon August 10, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    if you listen carefully, you can hear the rhythm of the clock (symbolizing the wait, the time that passes by so slowly when you are removed from someone you love) and also the coming in of the waves. like an ocean.. well thas just what i got from listening to the song and yes its a sweet song and brings tears to the eyes. great song, love it. jp
    emojpon August 13, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    Check out ToriAmos.com It's getting a new look and there are some pictures from what is believed to be from the "A Sorta Fairytale" video. Can't wait till October 29th!!!!!
    dazedkidon August 23, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    Amy Brenneman used this song at the end of Judging Amy to capture the emotion and loss she felt because her brother was moving across the country. For me, the song has always adressed that aching emptiness of being apart from someone you love.
    Autumn515on September 04, 2002   Link

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