Ocean of Noise
Arcade Fire Lyrics
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I first heard your voice
Ringing like a bell
As if I had a choice
Oh well!
Left in the morning
While you were fast asleep
A world of empty streets
You've got your reasons
And, me, I've got mine
But all the reasons I gave
Were just lies to buy myself some time
In an ocean of noise
I first heard your voice
Now who here among us
Still believes in choice?
Not I!
No way of knowing
What any man will do
An ocean of violence
Between me and you
You've got your reasons
And, me, I've got mine
But all the reasons I gave
Were just lies to buy myself some time
I'm gonna work it out
'Cause time won't work it out
I'm gonna work it out
'Cause time won't work it our for you
I'm gonna work it on out
'Cause time won't work it our for you
I'm gonna work it on out
'Cause time won't work it our for you
I'm gonna work it on out
The first few lines of Arcade Fire's "Ocean of Noise" paint a picture of the vastness and depth of an emotional abyss. It talks about being lost in a sea of noise where there seems to be no escape or respite. The song's protagonist is looking for a way out, and the only thing that seems to offer any solace is the voice of a loved one. The voice is described as ringing like a bell, offering a beacon of hope in the midst of darkness. However, the singer is aware that the choice to stay or leave is not really up to them. It is a decision that has already been made, and they are left with no choice but to accept it.
The next verse describes the singer leaving while the loved one is still fast asleep. There is a sense of urgency and desperation in the lines "Into an ocean of violence, A world of empty streets." The world outside is harsh and unforgiving, and the only thing that keeps the singer grounded is the thought of the loved one left behind. The singer acknowledges that they have their reasons for leaving, just as the loved one has their own reasons for staying, but all the reasons given so far are just excuses to justify their actions. The song ends on an unresolved note, with the singer vowing to work things out because time won't do it for them.
Line by Line Meaning
In an ocean of noise
Amidst a world full of chaos and confusion
I first heard your voice
Your voice stood out and called to me
Ringing like a bell
Clear and unmistakable
As if I had a choice
As though I had free will to ignore it
Oh well!
But that wasn't the case, and I couldn't help but listen
Left in the morning
I had to leave early
While you were fast asleep
While you were still resting
Into an ocean of violence
Into a place of conflict and aggression
A world of empty streets
A place deserted and abandoned by people
You've got your reasons
You have your justifications
And, me - I've got mine
And I have mine as well
But all the reasons I gave
But the reasons I provided before were not honest
Were just lies to buy myself some time
I made up excuses to postpone having to face reality
Now who here among us
Who among us
Still believes in choice?
Still thinks they have control over their life?
Not I!
Not me!
No way of knowing
Impossible to predict
What any man will do
What anyone is capable of
An ocean of violence
A sea of hostility
Between me and you
Separating us
I'm gonna work it out
I will find a solution
'Cause time won't work it out
Because time won't solve the problem for us
I'm gonna work it out
I will find a way to make things right
'Cause time won't work it out for you
Because time won't fix things for you
I'm gonna work it on out
I will persevere and overcome
'Cause time won't work it our for you
Because time alone won't bring resolution for you
I'm gonna work it on out
I am determined to succeed
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jeremy Gara, Regine Chassagne, Richard R Parry, Tim Kingsbury, William Butler, Win Butler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@iridescentrae
In an ocean of noise
I first heard your voice
Ringing like a bell
As if I had a choice
Oh well!
Left in the morning
While you were fast asleep
Into an ocean of violence
A world of empty streets
You've got your reasons
And, me - I've got mine
But all the reasons I gave
Were just lies to buy myself some time
In an ocean of noise
I first heard your voice
Now who here among us
Still believes in choice?
Not I!
No way of knowing
What any man will do
An ocean of violence
Between me and you
You've got your reasons
And, me - I've got mine
But all the reasons I gave
Were just lies to buy myself some time
I'm gonna work it out
'Cause time won't work it out
I'm gonna work it out
'Cause time won't work it out for you
I'm gonna work it on out
'Cause time won't work it out for you
I'm gonna work it on out
'Cause time won't work it out for you
I'm gonna work it on out
@fronesis01
The whole song is excellent but that final is divine!
@amjh4lah809
Damn good, beautiful song. The Neon Bible is a FANTASTIC album! So many great songs!
@hippiecheezburger5457
So much of their music just makes me cry because of the sheer power and grandiosity of it
@alexp3997
Such a legendary track, this was the first song I heard by them and it instantly turned me into a fan.
@professoroak5162
I swear Neon Bible is the album with the best lyrics out of Arcade Fire’s discography.
@nusrat083
Goes straight right into the heart 🌟💙💛🌟
@heatherrose526
Just how I feel. Beautiful song
Thank you. Heather
@joedarrow5422
You're a beautiful person, Heather. I hope you find happiness, and love. Most of all love.
@heatherrose526
@@joedarrow5422 Hey
Thank you ,its always so nice when soneone sez hi
I also wish you Love ❤
Be safe out there 🌐
Love to you Joe
Heather
@manispinte
underrated