In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
But oh, if I could only get you oceanside, to lay your muscles wide, it'd be heavenly. And oh, if I could only coax you overboard, to leave these lolling shores, to get you oceanside. Oceanside.
At rising tide, you're looking fresher than a July bride. We're picking up what our mothers always stigmatized. The field is right for reaping. Oh well, I guess I'm nothing but a ne'er do well (even though that's something I could never do well) I'm on track and keeping.
But oh, if I could only get you oceanside to lay your muscles wide, it'd be heavenly. Oh, if I could only coax you overboard, to leave these lolling shores, to get you oceanside.
Oceanside, oceanside.
At rising tide, you're looking fresher than a July bride. We're picking up what our mothers always stigmatized. The field is right for reaping. Oh well, I guess I'm nothing but a ne'er do well (even though that's something I could never do well) I'm on track and keeping.
But oh, if I could only get you oceanside to lay your muscles wide, it'd be heavenly. Oh, if I could only coax you overboard, to leave these lolling shores, to get you oceanside.
Oceanside, oceanside.
Lyrics submitted by _aeronautical, edited by brisingr47
Oceanside Lyrics as written by Colin Meloy
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
My interpretation is a bit crass but, delicacy aside, it seems to me that the speaker sees this girl, Annabelle, asleep on the beach and contemplates raping her, hence the "ne'er-do-well" line. His lack or moral judgment is further illustrated by the confession that he never paid attention in church ("..fell asleep at the pealing of the steeple bell"). It looks like he decides to not do it, though:
The field is right for reaping Oh, well I guess I'm something of a ne'er-do-well Even though that's something I could never do well
In the end, he still wants to, but I guess he just couldn't go through with it. Funny song, I think. Call it what you will.. satire, denouncement.. I just find it amusing.
But I must admit, if the song does have refernces like you guys say, they're lost on me.