The lyrics of "What Did The Deep Sea Say?" by Woody Guthrie tell the story of a woman searching for her sailor lover who has perished at sea. She questions the deep sea about his whereabouts and it responds with mournful sounds as it continues its endless journey.

Meaning of "What Did The Deep Sea Say?" by Woody Guthrie

The lyrics of this song explore themes of loss, longing, and the relentless cycle of life and death. The woman's desperate search for her sailor lover who has been lost at sea symbolizes the universal experience of grief and the inability to find closure. The deep sea, personified as a living entity, represents the vastness and mysterious nature of death, offering no solace or answers to the woman's questions. The image of the rose placed on the waves every day as a tribute to the sailor serves as a poignant reminder of her enduring love and the futility of trying to reach the unreachable. Overall, the song captures the emotional turmoil of loss and the haunting absence left by those who have departed.