Water (especially the sea) is often used as a symbol of deep emotions in the analysis of dreams and the like.
The title ("Man Overboard") may reference the narrator himself.
"Shoulda seen the warnin'" etc. - He should have seen this coming.
In short I think the song can be interpreted as a bout of depression or other negative mental state. The "ship" and "sailors" are simply symbols. "Toss the extras over, About to take on water." The person is hit by a "storm" of emotion and is trying to cope and 'survive' the ordeal. Like with a lot of Maynard's songs, even objects described in detail are usually part of a symbolic theme, not a literal reality.
Water (especially the sea) is often used as a symbol of deep emotions in the analysis of dreams and the like. The title ("Man Overboard") may reference the narrator himself. "Shoulda seen the warnin'" etc. - He should have seen this coming. In short I think the song can be interpreted as a bout of depression or other negative mental state. The "ship" and "sailors" are simply symbols. "Toss the extras over, About to take on water." The person is hit by a "storm" of emotion and is trying to cope and 'survive' the ordeal. Like with a lot of Maynard's songs, even objects described in detail are usually part of a symbolic theme, not a literal reality.
Also, in the video all the crewmembers are the same person. Fits well with my interpretation IMO.
Also, in the video all the crewmembers are the same person. Fits well with my interpretation IMO.