Ebb Tide
Will Oldham (born 24 December 1970, Louisville, Kentucky) is an American si… Read Full Bio ↴Will Oldham (born 24 December 1970, Louisville, Kentucky) is an American singer-songwriter, actor, and musician. His music is often (perhaps inappropriately) placed under the genre of "alt-country". Oldham has recorded under many names, including Palace, Palace Music, Palace Brothers, and Bonnie Billy. He often plays and records with other musicians, including David Pajo and his brothers Ned and Paul Oldham, but is generally the chief creator of the music. He has also been involved in musical projects and bands such as Amalgamated Sons of Rest, The Anomoanon, The Boxhead Ensemble, Tortoise, and The Sundowners as well as releasing his first solo album in 1993. Oldham has said that the Bonnie 'Prince' Billy moniker has many references. These include 'Bonnie' Prince Charlie, an 18th century Jacobite; Billy the Kid, the 19th century American outlaw also known as William Bonney; and the American singer Nat King Cole. He has also appeared in several films, such as the 1987 film Matewan and most recently in Old Joy (released in late 2006). He is also the photographer of the cover image of the slint album Spiderland.

Ebb Tide
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

First the tide rushes in
Plants a kiss on the shore
Then goes out to sea
And the sea is very still once more

So I rush to your side
Like the oncoming tide
With one burning thought
Will your arms open wide?
At last we're face to face
And as we kiss through an embrace
I can tell, I can feel you are loved
You are really, really mine
In the rain, in the dark, in the sun

Like the tide at its ebb
I'm at peace in the web




Of your heart's arms
Of your arms

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Bonnie 'Prince' Billy's song Ebb Tide are a metaphorical representation of a love story between two individuals in a romantic relationship. The first verse introduces the concept of the tide rushing in and planting a kiss on the shore before retreating back out to sea, leaving the sea still. This is symbolic of a love that comes and goes, but still manages to leave an impression. The singer then rushes to their loved one's side, like the tide, with the intention of being embraced. The chorus talks about the lovers being "face to face" and "kissing in an embrace," while the singer can feel that they are loved and belong to each other. The last verse uses the metaphor of the peace found in the ebb of the tide to describe the calm and contentment one finds in the embrace of their loved one's arms.


Line by Line Meaning

First the tide rushes in
The ocean tide comes near the shore quickly


Plants a kiss on the shore
The water kisses the sandy ground of the shore


Then goes out to sea
The water goes back to the depths of the ocean


And the sea is very still once more
The ocean becomes calm again after the tide recedes


So I rush to your side
I hurry towards your presence


Like the oncoming tide
Similar to how the tidal wave approaches the shore


With one burning thought
I have only one intense desire


Will your arms open wide?
Do you want to hug me?


At last we're face to face
Finally, we are standing in front of each other


And as we kiss through an embrace
Our lips locked together as we hugged


I can tell, I can feel you are loved
It's evident and perceptible that you're loved


You are really, really mine
You belong completely to me


In the rain, in the dark, in the sun
No matter the weather, sunshine or rain


Like the tide at its ebb
Just like the water that recedes at low tide


I'm at peace in the web
I'm full of tranquility and contentment in the arms of my lover


Of your heart's arms
In your loving arms


Of your arms
Wrapped in your arms




Contributed by Joseph B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS
Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Search results not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

MicheSpade

This is the best song I've ever heard. It's been my favorite for years and it always will be

MsTrinaa

omg i love this song! especially in the context with skins episode where effy and freddy play around :)

lwbldngs

This is a beautiful video. It takes you to another place, really captivating.

Kallen Law

Beautiful video from a talented musician. I find it odd that a music video would be made for this track though, considering it's unlisted on the album itself (making it a "hidden track", perhaps?).

shalama123

so many feels when listening to this song

SoTotallySammi

this song just made my dog fall asleep!

EG

distressingly beautiful

bodo riemer

so sick and beautiful!

nuno oliveira

Best song in the world

Israel Hill

I had no idea this was a cover song until right now.

More Comments