Meaning of "Tennis" by Chris Rea

The lyrics of "Tennis" convey a sense of detachment from the harsh realities of the world through the lens of watching tennis. The mundane activities of drinking coffee and watching a tennis match are juxtaposed with the grim depiction of people crying and dying in the sea, reminiscent of tragedies like the Holocaust. This stark dichotomy between the triviality of everyday life and the gravity of human suffering raises questions about our ability to detach ourselves from the world's injustices and whether distractions like sports can truly offer solace. The repeated question "Do you like tennis?" serves as a metaphor for asking whether one prefers to escape reality or confront it head-on. Ultimately, the song prompts listeners to consider the role of entertainment and leisure in a world plagued by violence and injustice.