The lyrics of "Ocean Spray" by Manic Street Preachers talk about the ease of seeing, feeling, breathing, and grieving, but emphasize that these actions are not good enough despite being real. The repetition of the plea to stay awake and drink Ocean Spray is present throughout the song.

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Meaning of "Ocean Spray" by Manic Street Preachers


The imagery of seeing only white where color should be, breathing only air where life should be, and crying so hard that it cannot be denied conveys a sense of emptiness and longing for something more substantial. The reference to Ocean Spray could symbolize a desire for rejuvenation, a break from monotony, or a literal escape from the mundane routine. The repeated plea to "stay awake" suggests a fear of falling into complacency or detachment from reality, urging the listener to remain present and engaged in order to seek out something more fulfilling. Overall, the lyrics seem to reflect a yearning for deeper experiences and emotions beyond the superficial and mundane.