The lyrics talk about a journey on the sea, where the narrator feels they have missed their intended destination and are now facing a curse that cannot be broken. The sense of impending doom and inevitability is strong throughout the song.

Meaning of "The Curse Of The Ivory Coast" by The Riverboat Gamblers

The Curse of the Ivory Coast dives into themes of fate, consequences, and the inability to escape one's destiny. The imagery of being lost at sea, feeling the looming presence of a curse, and the realization that there is no turning back reflects the idea of being trapped in a situation with no clear way out. The repeated refrain "I know, I know this time, No turning back, we're closing in" highlights the feeling of being powerless in the face of the curse, despite their efforts to fight against it. The mention of demons left to fend and the promise of meeting again reinforce the idea of an inescapable cycle or destiny that the narrator is resigned to. Overall, the song speaks to the haunting inevitability of fate and the struggle to break free from a curse that seems to have taken hold.