Meaning of "The Lure of the Sea" by The Beautiful South

The song "The Lure of the Sea" by The Beautiful South delves into the complex nature of human behavior and decision-making, using the sea as a symbol of temptation and uncertainty. The repetition of the phrase "maybe it's the lure of the sea" suggests a sense of ambiguity and the idea that people often attribute their actions or feelings to some external force beyond their control. By juxtaposing various examples of losses and struggles (such as leather strangling dreams, metal leaving verses unsung, or silver taking M.L.K. young) with the allure of the sea, the song reflects on how individuals may search for explanations or excuses for their troubles, even if those reasons are as intangible as the call of the ocean. Ultimately, the lyrics seem to convey a message of introspection, questioning the motives behind our actions and the influence of external factors on our lives.