"Boatman" by Mono Inc. is a plea for escape from pain and suffering. The lyrics express the desire to be taken away by the boatman, far from all the hurt, harm, and emptiness the narrator has experienced. They long to go astray and be carried by the currents to a place where pain ends.

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Meaning of "Boatman" by Mono Inc.


"Boatman" showcases the theme of seeking solace and freedom from pain and suffering. The lyrics describe the narrator's emotional and physical wounds, highlighting the lack of love and care they have experienced. Through the repetition of the phrase "take me away, boatman," the narrator expresses a strong desire to escape their current circumstances. The boatman becomes a symbol of salvation, offering a path to release from the burdens of their past. The notion of going astray represents the desire to break free from societal norms and expectations that have contributed to their pain. The repeated references to the sea and the swell evoke a sense of vastness and possibility, suggesting that the narrator is seeking a new beginning in an unknown and distant place. Overall, the song speaks to the universal desire for relief and liberation from personal struggles and emotional turmoil.