I want to rule the islands
And I want to rule the sea
But if you're not coming back
I will sleep eternally

And I want no heavy diamonds
And pearls crush my teeth
I just want my sailor
To sail back to me

Captain has a treasure
He says I hold the key
But old man grows and sweets winds blow songs
To you and me

I want to rule the islands
And I want to rule the sea
But if you're not coming back
I will sleep eternally

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Cat Power's song Islands seem to be an expression of a deep longing for a loved one to return from a voyage. The singer longs to "rule the islands" and "rule the sea," perhaps indicating a desire for control over their surroundings, but this desire is ultimately secondary to the longing for the sailor to return. The singer suggests that without their loved one's return, they will "sleep eternally," implying a sense of hopelessness or resignation.

The second verse introduces the captain, who claims to hold a treasure for the singer but is in some way entranced by the "sweet winds" that blow between the singer and their absent lover. The third and final verse echoes the first, with the singer reiterating their desire to rule the islands and the sea, but ultimately acknowledging that their happiness and well-being depend on the sailor's return.

Overall, the song seems to be a poignant expression of both the depth of love and the pain of separation. The imagery of ruling the islands and the sea may suggest a desire for power or control, but ultimately these desires are revealed as hollow in comparison to the desire for connection and love.

Line by Line Meaning

I want to rule the islands
I desire to have control and authority over the islands, possibly indicating a longing for power or influence.

And I want to rule the sea
In addition to the islands, I also seek to have dominion over the sea, possibly indicating a desire for complete control and influence over one's surroundings.

But if you're not coming back
However, in the absence of your return, this desire for power and control may lead to despair or hopelessness.

I will sleep eternally
This profound sense of loss may cause me to give up hope and fall into a deep sleep or even experience a type of spiritual death.

And I want no heavy diamonds
Rather than material possessions like diamonds, I want something much more valuable - the return of my loved one.

And pearls crush my teeth
Jewelry and other trinkets are not a priority for me and may even cause discomfort or displeasure.

I just want my sailor
Above all else, I desire the presence and companionship of my beloved sailor.

To sail back to me
I long for my sailor to return to me, possibly indicating a sense of loneliness or separation from the object of my affection.

Captain has a treasure
The captain possesses something of great value or importance.

He says I hold the key
The captain believes I possess a crucial piece of information or have the power to unlock the treasure.

But old man grows and sweet winds blow songs
As time passes, people age and change, and there is a sense of nostalgia or sentimental longing for the past.

To you and me
This sense of nostalgia and longing is something that both you and I share.

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: CHAN MARSHALL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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