The Ocean
07. U2 Lyrics

The song "The Ocean" by U2 is a vivid portrayal of the sense of tranquility and solitude that one experiences by the sea. The lyrics of the song convey a sense of introspection that comes with being in such an environment. The opening lines, "A picture in grey, Dorian Gray, just me by the sea," suggest a reference to Oscar Wilde's novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, which is centered around the idea of self-reflection and the contrast between the beauty of the exterior and the corruption of the interior. The lyrics speak to the idea that one can truly examine their inner selves when they are alone and by the ocean, away from the rest of the world.

The chorus, "And I felt like a star, I felt the world could go far, if they listened to what I said, the sea washes my feet," speaks to the sense of empowerment that comes with being alone by the sea. The sea is a symbol of infinity and the vastness of the world, and in its presence, one feels small but also connected to the greater universe. The lyrics suggest that in this moment of self-reflection, one can feel that they have something valuable to contribute to the world, and that they have a unique perspective that others should listen to.

The final lines of the chorus, "Splashes the soul of my shoes," speaks to the idea that being by the ocean has a transformative effect on one's soul. The water splashing the shoes is a metaphor for the cleansing and purifying effect that the sea has on the soul.