Ocean Crossing
Arlo Guthrie & Pete Seeger Lyrics
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Looked into your eyes this morning
You were far away
You must have known I was looking for you
You knew you couldn't stay
All these winds blowin' on me
Blowing in the nighttime lonely
Blew my words away
Put on your heavenly shoes babe
Walk around the clouds
You know that's where I'm bound to be now
I'm coming with the crowds
All these faces looking at me
Looking through me I don't mind
I just seen your face a-worrying
I loved you when you cried
Take my hand across the water
You won't leave no tracks behind
Step all over the moon lit ocean
It's only in your mind
All these thoughts just rip me
Who can heal a heart that's broken
Like the winds that blow unspoken
Blow my love away
The song "Ocean Crossing" by Arlo Guthrie expresses the pain of separation and the longing to reunite with a loved one. The first stanza talks about meeting eyes with someone who is physically distant and was unable to stay. The second stanza describes a desire to be with the loved one who has already passed to the other side, symbolized by the clouds. The third stanza speaks of a hope to be with the loved one again, even if it is only in the mind, and acknowledges that the pain of separation can be overwhelming, rendering one broken hearted.
The lyrics are poetic and metaphorical, allowing the listener to interpret them in their own way. The song is likely inspired by Guthrie's personal experience, as he has mentioned before how much he missed his wife, Jackie, when he was touring frequently. However, it can also be interpreted as a broader reflection on the human experience of loss and longing.
Line by Line Meaning
Looked into your eyes this morning
Opened my eyes to face reality
You were far away
You were not with me physically or emotionally
You must have known I was looking for you
You were aware of my feelings and desires
You knew you couldn't stay
You acknowledged that our relationship was not meant to be
All these winds blowin' on me
All these different experiences are affecting me
Blowing in the nighttime lonely
Happening when I'm alone and vulnerable
Blew on over the ocean to you
Traveled to where you are, physically or mentally
Blew my words away
Caused me to lose the ability to communicate my feelings
Put on your heavenly shoes babe
Prepare yourself for something spiritual or divine
Walk around the clouds
Experience something surreal and beyond the limits of reality
You know that's where I'm bound to be now
You know that's where I long to be currently
I'm coming with the crowds
I'm part of the group of people who are seeking something beyond the ordinary
All these faces looking at me
All these people are observing me
Looking through me I don't mind
Not bothered by their scrutiny and indifference
I just seen your face a-worrying
I just saw your face expressing concern and anxiety
I loved you when you cried
I loved you even in your most vulnerable state
Take my hand across the water
Come with me on a journey to something unknown
You won't leave no tracks behind
Your presence won't be noticeable or detectable
Step all over the moon lit ocean
Experience something surreal and ethereal
It's only in your mind
It's only a figment of your imagination
All these thoughts just rip me
All these conflicting thoughts and emotions are tearing me apart
Who can heal a heart that's broken
No one can fix the pain of a broken heart
Like the winds that blow unspoken
Like the forces that can't be seen or heard, but are felt
Blow my love away
Make my love dissipate or disappear
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ARLO GUTHRIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind