The song "Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark)" by Unknown Mortal Orchestra explores themes of escapism, loneliness, and the desire for freedom. The lyrics evoke the idea of wanting to disconnect from reality and retreat into a state of blissful unawareness, similar to how a shark sleeps and floats in the depths of the ocean. The narrator expresses a longing to be able to swim and sleep like a shark, falling to the bottom of the ocean and hiding away from the world. This desire could stem from a yearning to escape the pressures and responsibilities of life, seeking solace in the peaceful darkness of the deep sea. The "sweet cool darkness" represents a state of comfort and tranquility, offering respite from the challenges of existence. The narrator also wishes to break and bend like the world, suggesting a desire to be unaffected by the constant changes and hardships that life presents. They yearn to let their dreams fade away and be crushed by external forces, possibly implying a longing for a release from the burden of their own aspirations. Overall, "Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark)" delves into the notion of wanting to disconnect from reality and find solace in a state of unconsciousness. It explores the desire to escape the challenges and complexities of life, seeking a sense of freedom and detachment.
