Meaning of "Waves" by The Dear Hunter

"Waves" is a poignant exploration of a relationship that is destined to fail. The repeated mention of waves serves as a metaphor for the temporary and fleeting nature of love. The narrator realizes that what they thought was love was simply a passing wave crashing over them, leaving them disoriented and struggling. The line "in the breaths between the ones we meant to breathe, I had my head under my feet" conveys a sense of suffocation and confusion within the relationship.

The lyrics also highlight the inevitability of the relationship's end. Both parties are aware of how things are and how they will eventually come to an end. This knowledge adds a sense of resignation and acceptance to their situation. The mention of strays on a stale sea and the rushing water emphasize the drowning feeling within the relationship, as if they are trapped in a sinking ship.

The narrator's use of kerosene and the line "I started slicking my hair with the kerosene" suggest a desire to destroy or escape from the relationship. It symbolizes a self-destructive mindset, possibly fueled by the pain and despair caused by the impending end. The preparation for a burial at sea expresses a desire to lay the relationship to rest, while still holding on to a glimmer of hope symbolized by the lighthouse.

The verse "I was screaming that the ship was sinking, but you were telling me to just keep drinking" showcases the disconnect between the narrator and their partner. The partner seems to be avoiding facing the reality of the sinking relationship, choosing instead to numb themselves with alcohol. The portrayal of the narrator's fragmented state, with their body parts scattered at the bottom of the ocean, adds to the sense of loss, vulnerability, and hopelessness.

The final lines express the narrator's desperation to hold on to any shred of hope. They can still see the lighthouse, symbolizing a possible way out or a guiding light, but they are uncertain if the waters will consume them completely. The repetition of "I can see the lighthouse" suggests a struggle to maintain optimism amidst the chaos and impending demise of their relationship.