Meaning of "The Wreck of the Beautiful" by The Divine Comedy

The song "The Wreck of the Beautiful" uses the metaphor of a ship to explore themes of decay, mortality, and the passage of time. The Beautiful is portrayed as a proud and majestic vessel that represents human achievement and ambition. However, as time passes and the ship begins to deteriorate, it serves as a reminder of the impermanence of all things and the inevitable decay that comes with time. The ship's sinking is a poignant moment that symbolizes the end of an era and the acceptance of mortality. The narrator's emotional connection to the ship, hearing its call as it goes down, highlights the bittersweet nature of letting go of something that was once beautiful but is now fading away.