Meaning of "Ocean Breathes Salty" by Modest Mouse

"Ocean Breathes Salty" delves into the theme of mortality and the lingering presence of a loved one who has passed away. The opening lines suggest that while the physical body may be gone, the narrator will always carry the memory and essence of this person in their thoughts, emotions, and soul. The repetition of "I don't know, I don't think so" reflects the uncertainty surrounding the possibility of an afterlife or another chance to live again. It highlights the existential pondering and questioning that arises when contemplating the mysteries of life and death.

The song continues with a shift in perspective as the narrator reflects on their own life and choices. The line "You tell me what you want and I'll tell you what you get" hints at a sense of accountability and personal responsibility. It emphasizes that our actions have consequences and shape our destinies. The lines "Collected my belongings and I left the jail" suggest a metaphorical liberation, perhaps from past mistakes or regrets, with the narrator needing time to contemplate their life's path.

The metaphor of the ocean breathing salty signifies the cyclical nature of life and its inherent saltiness or bitterness. The ocean is both a representation of the passage of time and the source of life itself. The hope of growing old with someone implies a desire for a future reunion, yet the uncertainty remains as the narrator acknowledges that they can only hope.

In the later part of the song, the lyrics take a more critical tone. The lines "You wasted a life, why wouldn't you waste death" speak to the idea of how our choices and actions define our lives and even extend into the afterlife. It questions the value and purpose of life itself and whether wasting death is just as inevitable as wasting life. The phrase "The more we move ahead, the more we're stuck in rewind" reflects a sense of stagnation and repetition in life, suggesting that despite progress, we often find ourselves trapped in familiar patterns.

Overall, "Ocean Breathes Salty" confronts existential questions about life, death, and the significance of our actions. It contemplates the memories and legacies we leave behind, while also acknowledging the unknowns and uncertainties that come with mortality.