The Horrors' song Oceans Burning is a melancholic and abstract reflection on love and loss. The lyrics describe a person who is visiting the narrator's world again after a long absence, only to disappear once more. The imagery of the orchard and sunlight creates a nostalgic and fleeting atmosphere, suggesting that the visit is temporary and bittersweet. Despite the sense of impermanence, the narrator expresses joy at seeing the person again, describing them as "lit up" and leaving a glowing impression. The mention of "writing letters" suggests that the connection between the two is maintained through correspondence, perhaps indicating distance or separation. The song then shifts to a more abstract tone, with references to the ocean as a metaphor for life and love. The lines "like an ocean, life that overcomes" suggest the power and depth of emotions, while the imagery of a "lonely ship" and "an ocean which is sighing oh" evokes a feeling of isolation and longing. Towards the end of the song, the narrator acknowledges that they were wrong about something, and that the person they are addressing was actually right all along. This could suggest a relationship unraveling or ending, and the narrator struggling to come to terms with their own mistakes. Overall, Oceans Burning is a poetic and introspective song that reflects on love, loss, and the fleeting nature of human connections.
