Meaning of "Ships That Pass In The Night" by The Stranglers

The concept of "ships that pass in the night" is often used to describe missed opportunities or connections in life. The lyrics convey a sense of yearning and looking for solutions outside of oneself, whether it be through a metaphorical ship, a religious notion, a politician, or a physician. Despite the continuous search and hope for something to come and solve problems, the ships keep passing by without bringing the desired outcome. This can be interpreted as a commentary on the futility of relying on external factors or waiting for something to happen, instead of taking action and responsibility for one's own life. The repetitive nature of the ships passing by represents a cycle of hope and disappointment, highlighting the need to break out of this cycle and take control of one's own destiny.