Meaning of "On Another Ocean (January / June)" by Fleet Foxes

The song "On Another Ocean (January / June)" delves into themes of longing, self-reflection, and the complexities of relationships. The lyrics portray a sense of running away or escaping from something, as depicted by lines like "Biding your time on the other ocean" and "Wherever you run, you see all you leave behind you." There is a feeling of being trapped, whether physically or emotionally, evident in the line "Falling into line in the cold and damp." The song also explores the nature of perception and the difficulty of truly understanding others, as stated in the lines "Was he not quite as you had conceived him? / Did the color of the light hide the fight in the eye?" This suggests that appearances can be deceiving and that there is more to someone than meets the eye.

Furthermore, the lyrics touch on the struggle to know oneself, with lines like "If only anything could change you / If only you knew what you claim to." This implies a sense of dissatisfaction or yearning for personal growth and understanding. The repetition of the phrase "On the other ocean" throughout the song could symbolize a desire for a different life or a longing for an alternate reality. The mention of smoke enveloping someone and the uncertainty of whether someone will be waiting for them suggests a fear of being overwhelmed or disappointed by the unknown. The lyrics also express a plea for validation and connection, as exemplified by the lines "All I need oh don't deny me / We're in the eye sometimes." This speaks to the universal need for understanding and acceptance.

Overall, "On Another Ocean (January / June)" delves into themes of longing, self-reflection, and the complexities of relationships. It explores the idea of running away or seeking something beyond one's current circumstances, while also questioning perception and the struggle to truly know oneself and others.