Having read the definitive book on the Roses by John Robb: Mersey Paradise is Ian Brown's reflection on a childhood incident. The Mersey flowed near where he grew up and there was a drowning murder in the area, apparently by a man killing a woman over unrequited love. Brown seems to be putting himself in the place of the murdered "If she were here I'd hold her down, push her under while she drowns". I would also think a boat passed and was witness to the murder so he wanted to jump in and grow fins to escape...
Having read the definitive book on the Roses by John Robb: Mersey Paradise is Ian Brown's reflection on a childhood incident. The Mersey flowed near where he grew up and there was a drowning murder in the area, apparently by a man killing a woman over unrequited love. Brown seems to be putting himself in the place of the murdered "If she were here I'd hold her down, push her under while she drowns". I would also think a boat passed and was witness to the murder so he wanted to jump in and grow fins to escape...