Meaning of "Firmament" by The Ocean

The lyrics of "Firmament" delve into the creation story as described in the Book of Genesis. The repeated verse, "And God said, let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven," references Genesis 1:14-19, where God creates lights in the sky to divide the day from the night, signifying the passing of seasons and the measurement of time. Through these lights, namely the sun and the moon, God gives light upon the earth, representing his power and dominion over creation. The concept of ruling over day and night, dividing darkness from light, signifies order and control.

As the lyrics transition into the next repeated verse, "Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters," they introduce another aspect of the creation story. This references Genesis 1:20-21, where God commands the waters to bring forth living creatures and birds that fly in the open firmament of heaven. However, the lyrics insert doubt by following this statement with "...Or so do some people believe." This suggests a skeptical perspective, acknowledging the existence of different beliefs and interpretations regarding the origin of life and the natural world.

The overall meaning behind these lyrics seems to be a contemplation of the creation narrative, highlighting the power and order ascribed to the divine in the act of creation. It also acknowledges the diversity of beliefs and the questioning of religious accounts of creation, inviting listeners to ponder their own understandings of the world and the forces that govern it.