The lyrics depict someone sitting on a dock by the bay, watching ships come and go, feeling stuck and wasting time. They mention leaving their home in Georgia for San Francisco with nothing to live for, feeling like nothing will change and choosing to remain the same, spending their days watching the tide roll away.

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Meaning of "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay" by Cher


The lyrics of "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay" by Cher paint a picture of someone feeling lost and aimless, sitting by the bay and watching time pass by. The repetitive act of watching the ships come and go symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and the feeling of being stuck in a rut, unable to move forward or make a change. The mention of leaving their home in Georgia for San Francisco suggests a search for something better or different, but ultimately finding themselves in the same place emotionally. The lines "Looks like nothin's gonna change, everything remains the same" convey a sense of resignation and acceptance of their circumstances. The reference to resting bones after a long journey and making the dock their home highlights a sense of detachment and isolation, finding solace in a seemingly peaceful but unchanging environment. The song captures the feeling of inertia, nostalgia, and a desire for something more meaningful, yet unable to break free from the routine of wasting time by the bay.