Meaning of "If The Sea Was Whiskey" by Chris Thile

"If The Sea Was Whiskey" by Chris Thile explores the idea of escapism and the allure of leaving behind one's problems. The comparison of the sea to whiskey suggests a sense of drowning in one's troubles or being overwhelmed by them. The repeated line of being a diving duck alludes to the idea of diving deep into these troubles without certainty of resurfacing, highlighting the risky nature of escaping one's current situation. The mention of wondering if a matchbox would hold the clothes signifies the simple and transient nature of the decision to leave, as if the person is ready to pack up and move on at any moment. The reference to whiskey and beers not making the protagonist drunk, but the blues making them want to leave, suggests that in this case, it's not substance abuse that numbs the pain, but rather the emotional weight of their situation. Ultimately, the song captures the struggle between staying and leaving, the desire for change, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead.