"Island of Souls" is a song from the musical The Last Ship, written by Sting. The song tells the story of Gideon, a shipbuilder's son from the town of Wallsend, Newcastle. Gideon dreams of leaving his industrial town and exploring the world on a ship. Gideon is raised in the shadows of the shipyard, where his father and the other workers toil away. He sees the launch of many ships over the years, but he yearns for something more than just working in the shipyard like his father and ancestors. Gideon meets Meg, his love interest, and together they dream of escaping Wallsend. They imagine a life on a ship that will take them far away from the town they feel trapped in. Gideon promises Meg that he will find a way for them to leave together. However, tragedy strikes when Gideon's father, Joe, has an industrial accident and is left injured. Gideon is faced with the reality of staying in Wallsend to support his family or pursuing his dreams. He feels torn between his responsibilities and his desire for adventure. Joe believes that Gideon should stay and continue the family trade, but Gideon fears ending up like him and his ancestors, perpetuating the cycle of shipbuilding in Wallsend. In the end, Gideon decides to follow his dreams and leaves Wallsend, breaking his promise to Meg. He believes that he can create a better life for himself beyond the town and hopes to find a ship that will take him to the "Island of Souls" – a metaphorical place of freedom and fulfillment. The song reflects the struggle of breaking free from the expectations and limitations of one's upbringing. It explores the themes of sacrifice, family duty, and the pursuit of personal happiness. "Island of Souls" showcases the desire for adventure and the longing for a life outside the confines of a confined industrial town.
