Meaning of "The Black Sea" by Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark

The lyrics of "The Black Sea" delve into the theme of inner conflict and the weight of regrets and unfulfilled desires. The metaphor of being on a ship to nowhere and sinking with a cargo that cannot be suggests a sense of hopelessness and being trapped in a cycle of emotional turmoil. The narrator expresses fear, self-deception, and a constant battle with their desires, which ultimately lead to feeling torn apart inside. The repetition of "Everything we do, nothing remains true" highlights the speaker's sense of disillusionment and the realization that their actions may not align with their true self. The repeated confession of being a liar and tortured by desire reflects a deep sense of guilt and shame over past actions and the inability to escape from the inner conflicts. The landscape staying the same symbolizes a stagnant existence, where despite moving forward, nothing truly changes. Overall, the lyrics of "The Black Sea" poignantly capture the struggle of confronting one's inner demons and the burden of carrying regrets and unfulfilled desires.