The Ocean Lyrics

Lyric discussion by Nariel 

Cover art for The Ocean lyrics by Dar Williams

I think it's a song about a relationship where she idealizes her partner (friend?) and his way of life: "this town is a song about you", "you are the welcoming back from the ocean", but he disillusions her: "let me tell you the song of this town". The ocean is a brutal and amoral force (life?) that he lives with, meaning that he has a more cynical outlook, while she is the idealistic one.

My Interpretation