James Taylor's song "The Frozen Man" tells the story of a man who experienced a tragic event at sea and was preserved in ice for a century. The lyrics describe the man's recollection of the freezing cold water and how he and his companions were swallowed by the sea. In this desperate moment, the man is the only survivor, a miracle he credits to God's mercy. After being rescued, the man wakes up in a hospital bed and is approached by a nurse who asks for his identity. Uncertain of whether he is alive or dead, he identifies himself as William James McPhee, born in 1843 in Liverpool. However, he feels that his true identity goes beyond his name and birthplace. He feels like a changed man, someone different from who he used to be. The protagonist undergoes medical procedures, including a new heart, leg, and eye, which has made him a spectacle referred to as the state of the art. People, especially children, react to his appearance with fear and sadness. Undeterred by these reactions, he expresses a desire to visit his own grave and discovers that both his wife and daughter have died of old age. The song ends with the man requesting that when he eventually dies, his remains are fully gone and not preserved. He encourages others to embrace life and not cling onto his frozen state. The lyrics convey a sense of longing, acceptance, and an understanding of the fragility of life. Overall, "The Frozen Man" narrates a tale of survival, transformation, and the ultimate acceptance of mortality. It explores themes of identity, the passage of time, and the fleeting nature of life.
