Meaning of "Distant Shore" by Karen Elson

The lyrics of "Distant Shore" evoke a sense of loss and longing as the singer watches someone they care about slip away. The image of watching a ship change course and feeling the distance grow between them creates a feeling of isolation and abandonment. Despite feeling alone, there is also a sense of freedom that comes with the separation, as the singer realizes that no one can conquer them in this newfound solitude. The reference to daydreaming and wandering off into unknown territories speaks to a sense of disconnection from reality and a longing for the past. The repeated motif of the person slipping away like waves further emphasizes the fleeting nature of relationships and the inevitability of loss.