The song "Marina" by Joseph Arthur tells the story of a woman named Marina who is struggling with addiction and trying to find her identity. The lyrics describe Marina's journey as she tries to come off of methadone and overcome her addiction. Marina is seen as someone who is always dreaming, sleeping, and screaming, possibly due to the withdrawal symptoms or the effects of her addiction. She finds solace in watching the TV show "90210" but often expresses her frustration by yelling at the screen. The chorus reveals Marina's disbelief at still being alive despite her struggles. She cherishes the moments when she can lie with the moon and rise with the sun, as it represents a new day and a chance for change. The line "It's all there in her eyes" suggests that Marina's emotions and struggles are visible and evident to those around her, particularly the narrator. The narrator mentions how hard Marina tries, but she still can't fully hide her emotions when she cries, indicating that she has trouble wearing a disguise or concealing her pain. Marina is metaphorically described as a "human bicycle" in the song. She rides in the park, even after dark, as a way to escape her problems and find some moments of happiness. However, her main objective seems to be turning her blame or guilt into a "plague," possibly trying to shift responsibility or find a way to overcome her addiction by spreading awareness. Marina is also portrayed as a creative individual who plays guitar, dreams, and sings. She uses music as a way of expressing herself and trying to make sense of her experiences. However, she feels disconnected from her own emotions, stating that she never fully feels like a human being. This highlights the internal struggles Marina faces, as she grapples with her addiction and the search for her true identity. Overall, "Marina" is a song that explores the pain and struggles of addiction, alongside the desires for change and self-discovery. Joseph Arthur uses poetic lyrics to convey Marina's story and express the complex emotions that come with such an experience.
