Meaning of "Ripples" by Genesis

"Ripples" by Genesis delves into themes of impermanence and the passage of time. The blue-eyed girls mentioned in the lyrics represent moments of beauty and fascination that come and go. The song suggests that for a brief period, a person can be transformed by the presence of someone who captures their attention. However, this transformation is temporary, as indicated by the ever-changing face of the blue-eyed women. The notion of a promised land with flowing honey alludes to a place of happiness and fulfillment. Yet, it remains elusive, represented by the shifting nature of the pool and the inability to stay in that moment.

The reference to the face that launched a thousand ships alludes to the mythological figure Helen of Troy, whose beauty ignited the Trojan War. The sinking of this face suggests that beauty fades over time, just as ships sink in water. It serves as a reminder of the transience of physical attractiveness. Additionally, the line "Angels never know it's time to close the book and gracefully decline" speaks to the inevitability of aging and the loss of timeless beauty.

The final stanza of the song highlights the departure of the bluegirls, expressing a sense of longing and nostalgia for their presence. The act of diving to the bottom and going to the top of the pool symbolizes the search for understanding and the longing to know where those fleeting moments of beauty have disappeared to. However, the lyrics confirm that the bluegirls have gone to the "other side," further emphasizing their transient nature.

Overall, "Ripples" explores the fleeting nature of beauty, the passing of time, and the desire to hold onto fleeting moments. It serves as a contemplation on the ephemeral nature of life and the inevitability of change.