Meaning of "Seven Shades of Blue" by Beth Nielsen Chapman

The lyrics of "Seven Shades of Blue" by Beth Nielsen Chapman evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for a past love, overflowing with bittersweet memories. The first verse portrays the desire to be close to the person, capturing the intimacy of listening to their breath and comparing it to the soothing sound of the ocean. The line "In the hollow of your shoulder, there's a tide pool of my tears" reveals the depth of emotional connection and vulnerability shared with the partner, as tears flow freely in their presence.

The second verse takes the listener on a journey back to a time of carefree love and happiness. The imagery of phosphor shining and green flashlights from the sea creates a vivid picture of a magical moment shared between the couple. They reminisce about collecting soft shells, symbolizing the delicate and fleeting nature of their happiness. The line "And we made love on the kitchen table till the water reached a boil" suggests a passionate and spontaneous romance, where time and responsibilities cease to exist.

The chorus reflects on the impermanence of these moments, emphasizing the fleeting nature of time. The line "We hold it all for a little while, don't we..." encapsulates the transience of happiness and the ever-changing nature of life. The dice and rain are metaphorical representations of risk and hardships that people encounter in life, with the rain's sharpness symbolizing the pain that accompanies these challenges. However, when the music plays and the lights come on, the couple feels invincible, filled with confidence and owning the moment as if time were infinite.

The final verse shifts the focus to the future. The singer imagines their soul turning "seven shades of blue," representing the range of emotions they will experience as they continue to heal and move on from the lost love. They envision themselves waving goodbye as the ocean rolls, accepting that life will go on without bitterness. The imagery of birds singing laughter and whales stealing their song suggests the healing power of nature and the possibility of finding joy and purpose even after heartbreak. The lyrics convey a sense of hope, assuring the listener that they will be okay and the world will continue to function despite the pain.