Meaning of "We Move Like the Ocean" by Bad Suns

"We Move Like the Ocean" explores themes of disorientation, yearning, and the search for purpose. The song begins with the speaker acknowledging their absence and detachment from someone they care about, confessing that they have lost their momentum and are struggling to find their way. The act of "painting pictures in [their] head" implies a desire for something more meaningful, but their efforts fall short. The repetition of the line "I've been just coasting, my mind put to motion" suggests that the speaker is simply going through the motions of life, lacking true engagement or passion.

The metaphor of the ocean is employed to convey a sense of vastness, unpredictability, and insignificance. The speaker likens themselves and their movements to the ocean, emphasizing the fluidity and constant change in their life. However, this comparison also highlights their own inability to swim, symbolizing their inability to navigate through their circumstances or find a sense of purpose. The line "But I can't swim anymore" serves as a powerful admission of defeat and a realization that the speaker has lost their ability to cope or find their way back.

The second verse introduces a dream-like romantic encounter that the speaker can't fully remember, adding to the feelings of disconnectedness and longing. The line "I don't need your pat on the back" implies a rejection of superficial validation and a desire for something more genuine and fulfilling.

Overall, "We Move Like the Ocean" captures the existential uncertainty and emotional turbulence experienced by the speaker. It speaks to the universal human experience of feeling lost, disconnected, and longing for something more substantial and meaningful. The use of the ocean as a metaphor adds depth to the lyrics, highlighting the vastness of the speaker's struggles and the futility of their attempts to regain direction.