Meaning of "Shark" by Oh Wonder

The lyrics of "Shark" delve into the intoxicating nature of love and its ability to consume and overwhelm. The song describes the protagonist standing on the "world outside," implying a sense of isolation or being on the periphery. They feel caught up in a "love landslide," emphasizing the overwhelming power of their emotions. The line "Stuck still, colour blind, hoping for a black and white" suggests that they feel stuck in a state of confusion and uncertainty, longing for clarity and simplicity in their love life.

The chorus of the song repeats the question, "Are you gonna be my love?" This reflects the protagonist's desire for their love interest to fully commit and reciprocate their feelings. They yearn for their love interest to be theirs, desperately wanting to know if they will be chosen. The line "My wave, my shark, my demon in the dark" suggests that their love interest holds a captivating and potentially dangerous allure. The comparison to a shark evokes emotions of excitement, danger, and vulnerability. The lyrics imply that this person has the potential to pull them under and disrupt their life.

Despite the uncertainty and potential for chaos, the protagonist still hopes for this love to be theirs. They ask if their love interest will be their soul and heart, ultimately questioning if this person will tear everything apart. These lines highlight the intensity and passion they desire in their love, even if it means risking everything. The repetition of the question "Are you gonna be my love?" emphasizes the longing and desperation in their plea.

The concluding line, "I'm a shark in a love landslide," further emphasizes the protagonist's chaotic and overpowering nature within the realm of love. It suggests that they may have come to embrace this turbulent persona, embodying the shark that they metaphorically compared their love interest to earlier in the song.

In essence, "Shark" explores the desire for intense and all-consuming love, even if it means facing uncertainty and potential chaos. It portrays the protagonist as someone who is willing to risk everything for a love that is captivating and shrouded in darkness.