Meaning of "The Ocean" by Tegan And Sara

"The Ocean" by Tegan and Sara delves into the complex emotions of longing, insecurity, and uncertainty in a relationship. The lyrics capture the narrator's thoughts as they wake up and wonder about the person they care about the most. The question of whether they sleep alone suggests a sense of distance and fear of abandonment. The narrator acknowledges their own imagination and the anxiety it causes by imagining their loved one with someone else. The line "All around me new love and it makes me sad" reveals their struggle with witnessing others finding happiness while they long for their own connection.

The repeated refrain of "Stop crying to the ocean, stop crying over me, stop worrying over nothing, stop worrying over me" highlights the narrator's plea to the person to let go of their worries and fears. They want the person to stop investing their emotions in them if they cannot fully commit. It could also be interpreted as a plea for the person to stop holding onto past grievances, emphasizing the importance of moving forward.

The narrator recalls a past conversation where the person declared their desire to be with them, expressing hope that the person still feels the same way. However, as time passes and doubts creep in, the narrator questions the sincerity of those past words. The repetition of the statement "It's been so long since you said, 'Well I know what I want, what I want is right here with you'" suggests a fading hope and growing distance between them.

The final verse introduces a moment of realization and vulnerability. The mention of a "flash" brings attention to the mess and confusion within the relationship. The person appears to be begging for understanding while the narrator struggles to fully comprehend their intentions. The lyrics convey a sense of missed opportunities and regret, as the person drops in for a short visit, leaving the narrator wishing they had visited sooner to understand what the person has been doing.

Overall, "The Ocean" explores themes of longing, insecurity, and the complex dynamics within relationships. It portrays the internal struggle of wanting to be with someone while grappling with doubts and the fear of being left behind.