Meaning of "Swimming In The Ocean" by David & David

The lyrics of "Swimming in the Ocean" by David & David convey a sense of detachment and emptiness in the face of loss and love. The speaker describes watching ceremonies for a long-dead love from afar, feeling like a defrocked priest going through the motions without true belief or emotion. The comparison to swimming in the ocean suggests a feeling of being engulfed by something vast and overwhelming, like grief or apathy. The repetition of "just for a night" and "too-late rites" emphasizes a sense of finality and missed opportunities, highlighting the pain of looking back on a lost relationship and realizing it's beyond repair. Overall, the lyrics paint a picture of someone grappling with the aftermath of a failed love, experiencing a mixture of numbness, longing, and resignation.