Open water

people oh people how sad oh how sad
Your ego and envy
Oh people oh people so cold oh so cold
You?re all feeling empty and alone

people oh people no way there?s no way
You?re safe in this riot
Oh people oh people whatever you say
We fail to be quiet and behave

life is an opportunity
For you and for me
To define harmony
Life is an opportunity
To throw away the key
To your negativity

people oh people now when will you learn?
Get the picture?
Oh people oh people you have to return
Back to nature

?cause life is an opportunity
To realize that

yes there?s something real behind the glitter
Oh yes there?s something sweet under the bitter
?cause I have seen this world
And it?s a? well it?s a god damn gutter

open water stormy weather

Overall Meaning

The Von Hertzen Brothers' song "Open Water Stormy Weather" is an insightful reflection on the current state of humanity. The song opens with the lamentation on people's egotism and envy, which has left them feeling empty and alone despite their numbers in the current chaos. The lyrics vividly describe the current state of the world as "riot" and "stormy weather," and the chorus accentuates this by repeating the phrase "open water stormy weather." The tone of the song is somber as the lead singer implores people to realize their greater purpose in life and to return to nature. The second verse continues with the theme of life being an opportunity for people to define harmony and to throw away the key to their negativity.

Overall, the song’s message is powerful and insightful, and the Von Hertzen Brothers deliver it with a driving melody and powerful lyrics. The song is a call to action for people to look beyond their egos and negativity to find a greater sense of purpose in life. It urges people to find harmony and return to nature rather than continuing their path to destruction.

Line by Line Meaning

Open water
The vastness of the sea represents the unpredictable nature of life.

people oh people how sad oh how sad
The singer is expressing his sorrow at the negative traits such as ego and envy displayed by humans.

Your ego and envy
The two negative qualities that the singer believes to be affecting the people around him.

Oh people oh people so cold oh so cold
The singer has observed that people are disconnected, indifferent and lacking warmth towards others.

You?re all feeling empty and alone
The previous qualities have led to individuals feeling lost and alone in a crowded world.

people oh people no way there?s no way
The singer is implying that it is impossible for people to feel safe and secure in a world with such turmoil.

You?re safe in this riot
The singer highlights the fact that the current state of the world is chaotic and unsafe.

Oh people oh people whatever you say
The singer has noticed that people like to talk but not take action or responsibility for their words.

We fail to be quiet and behave
The constant chatter and noise of the world only contributes to its chaotic nature.

life is an opportunity
The singer believes that life is full of endless possibilities.

For you and for me
Everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the same opportunities in life.

To define harmony
We have the power to create a peaceful, harmonious world for ourselves and others.

To throw away the key
We have the power to leave our negative thoughts and behaviors behind and move forward positively.

To your negativity
By doing so, we can leave behind all negativity in our lives.

people oh people now when will you learn?
Asking a rhetorical question, the singer is questioning when people will realize the error of their ways.

Get the picture?
The singer is urging people to open their eyes and see the world as it truly is.

Oh people oh people you have to return
The singer is calling people back to a more natural and peaceful way of living.

Back to nature
The singer advocates for us to live more simply and appreciate nature around us.

?cause life is an opportunity
Reiterating the idea that every moment presents us with an opportunity.

To realize that
To be inspired and motivated to change our lives for the better.

yes there?s something real behind the glitter
The singer believes that beneath the surface of superficial and shallow things lies something real and meaningful.

Oh yes there?s something sweet under the bitter
Even under negative and bitter circumstances, there is always something sweet and positive to be found.

?cause I have seen this world
The singer speaks from personal experience and observations.

And it?s a? well it?s a god damn gutter
The world can be a cruel, harsh and unpleasant place at times.

open water stormy weather
The repetition of the opening lyric represents the ever-changing, turbulent nature of the world and life itself.

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