At Sea
Electrelane Lyrics

The lyrics of Electrelane's "At Sea" are poetic and enigmatic, blending imagery of the sea and stars with a sense of lost love and despair. The first verse describes the singer seeing a gray-faced figure in the stars, who is suffering from a broken heart and the desperation of lies. The second verse continues this theme of loss and uncertainty, with the mention of a missing "cavalière," or female horse rider, and a sense of defeat in the face of a crowd and sinking under the waves. The chorus calls out to the Virgin Mary, perhaps for comfort or salvation, but the repetition of her name only adds to the sense of repetition and futility in the face of the vast, uncaring sea.

The lyrics of "At Sea" are highly symbolic and open to interpretation, but some themes that emerge include the fragility of human relationships and the power of nature to overwhelm and consume us. The use of French throughout the song adds to the sense of mystery and distance, as does the repeated reference to the stars and their beauty even in the face of sadness and loss. The chorus adds a religious element to the song, but it's unclear whether this is meant to be sincere or ironic, as the repetition of "Avé Maria" feels more like a mantra or incantation than a prayer.