The lyrics describe a long conversation over the phone where the speaker expresses a desire for the other person to be theirs, as their voices connect like meeting in a salty sea.

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Meaning of "In a Salty Sea" by Graham Coxon


The repetition of the phone line conversation indicates a sense of longing and distance between the speaker and the person they are talking to. The imagery of small breaths forming words like crystals in warm air suggests delicate and precious communication between the two individuals. The longing expressed in wanting the other person to be theirs and the imagery of their voices meeting in a salty sea signifies a desire for a deeper connection and closeness despite physical separation. The salty sea represents a vast, mysterious, and sometimes turbulent space where their voices can come together, highlighting the power of communication and emotional connection. Overall, the lyrics convey a yearning for intimacy and a sense of shared experience, even in a situation where physical presence is lacking.