Lyric discussion by megbird1691 

Cover art for Dead Sea lyrics by Lumineers, The

Wes (lead vocals) said he wrote this song about what Jer's (drums, vocals) girlfriend said to him once, how he's her "Dead Sea" because she'd never sink when she's with him.

I think the meaning of that is, the Dead Sea is so salty you'd actually float in the water instead of sink. Which is an oddly sweet, and creative way to tell someone they're special to you and that you consider them an exception.

Song Meaning