Meaning of "The Saltwater Room" by Owl City

"The Saltwater Room" by Owl City is a song that delves into the complexities of love and the various emotions that come with it. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a nighttime encounter between the narrator and their lover by the bay. The mention of the stars that "aren't there anymore" hints at a sense of nostalgia and the passing of time.

The narrator describes themselves as an introvert, symbolized by their act of wrapping their over-shirt around their arms to shield themselves from the cold. This act can be seen as a metaphor for their emotional vulnerability and hesitance in opening up to love. The mention of the "tunnels all around" represents the narrator's feelings of being trapped and overwhelmed by their own emotions.

The saltwater room mentioned in the lyrics serves as a sanctuary where the narrator and their lover can escape from the outside world. It is a place where they can be themselves and find solace. The reference to hearing the waves in underwater caves emphasizes the intimacy and depth of their connection.

However, despite the comfort they find in each other's presence, there is a sense of longing and dissatisfaction. The lyrics touch on the idea that time spent together is never enough, suggesting a yearning for more. The question of what it takes to sustain or break their love remains unanswered, highlighting the uncertainties and insecurities that often accompany relationships.

The second half of the song introduces a shift in the narrative, with the mention of the crew being gone and the narrator's sinking islands. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for the challenges and hardships the couple faces in their relationship, as well as the feeling of being adrift and lost.

The song ultimately captures the paradoxical nature of love. It can bring warmth and comfort, but also feelings of loneliness and longing. The lack of certainty and the question of whether the couple will fall in love further reinforce the theme of love's complexities.