Stab at the title. I'd say for a start that it probably refers to Hobson's Choice. An apparently free choice where only one option is really offered. That is to say, the protagonist is drawn to the subject of the song, and although s/he could choose not to pursue the relationship, really s/he has no choice.
I'd suggest that the 'Oceanographer' refers to the tempestuous nature of the relationship, emotions like waves that come and go almost of their own volition, driven by incredibly powerful undercurrents. Things both deeply burried and invisible to the naked eye. Thus, one who studies the flow of oceans is analogous with one who studies human passions.
So, it's the attempt to understand the reasons why you love someone who is bad for you, and knowing that even if you could understand, you are powerless to resist.
Stab at the title. I'd say for a start that it probably refers to Hobson's Choice. An apparently free choice where only one option is really offered. That is to say, the protagonist is drawn to the subject of the song, and although s/he could choose not to pursue the relationship, really s/he has no choice.
I'd suggest that the 'Oceanographer' refers to the tempestuous nature of the relationship, emotions like waves that come and go almost of their own volition, driven by incredibly powerful undercurrents. Things both deeply burried and invisible to the naked eye. Thus, one who studies the flow of oceans is analogous with one who studies human passions.
So, it's the attempt to understand the reasons why you love someone who is bad for you, and knowing that even if you could understand, you are powerless to resist.