“Oceans” is a song that speaks to the human spirit, with lyrics that touch on themes of hope, loss, and the beauty of the natural world. Against a backdrop of gentle guitar riffs and a steady drumbeat, Vedder sings about longing to be close to the ocean, to be in the midst of the waves and the vast blue expanse of the sea. He describes how the ocean is a source of comfort and a place of solace, where he can feel free and unburdened by cares and worries.
The first verse sets the tone for the rest of the song, with Vedder singing, “Hold on to the thread / The currents will shift / Glide me towards you /Know something’s left / And we’re all allowed / To dream of the next.” These lines suggest that despite the hardships and trials that life may bring, there’s always a glimmer of hope that can guide us forward. The idea of being “glided towards” someone or something speaks to the notion of fate or destiny, that we are all connected by invisible threads that bring us closer to where we’re supposed to be.
In the chorus, Vedder sings “Oh, oh, oh, oh / Oceans come and go / Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh / Water is the sky.” This imagery is both mystical and down-to-earth, as Vedder employs metaphors that connect the ocean to the sky and the heavens. The idea of “oceans come and go” is a reminder that life is fleeting and transient, and that everything we experience is part of a much larger cosmic cycle.
The second verse continues this theme of connectivity and the cyclical nature of things, with Vedder singing, “Wished I could be / As oblivious as you / Been wishful to choose / Heaven over me / And know that the one / The one in which we trust / Will help us sell our souls.” These lines suggest the struggle of being human, of trying to find our place in the world and make sense of the mysteries of life. The idea of selling our souls speaks to the darker aspects of existence, where we may have to make difficult choices that go against our moral principles or sense of self.
The final verse brings the song full circle, as Vedder sings, “Oh, oh, oh, oh / Parted lips as if / Begging for me / But it’s a different world / That I’m living in / If I’m the one, then / Why am I so insignificant?” These lines suggest a sort of existential crisis, where the speaker is grappling with his place in the world and questioning why he feels so insignificant. The idea of “parted lips” suggests both yearning and desire, as if the ocean itself is calling out to the speaker and beckoning him closer.
In the end, “Oceans” is a song that speaks to the universal human experience, of longing and hope, loss and despair. The power of the ocean as a symbol of the natural world is palpable throughout the song, with Vedder’s raw emotional delivery driving home the message that we are all connected to something larger than ourselves. Fans of Pearl Jam may listen to “Oceans” and feel as though they are being transported to another world, one where the vastness of the sea and the beauty of nature can heal our souls and bring us closer to a higher purpose.