Ebb Tide
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy Lyrics

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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" explore the imagery of the ebb and flow of the tide as a metaphor for the singer's relationship with his lover. The first two lines describe the coming of the tide as it rushes in and kisses the shore before it recedes back out to sea, leaving the water calm and still. The singer then compares himself to the oncoming tide as he rushes to his lover's side with the hope that their arms will be open wide to receive him.

As the two lovers embrace, the singer feels the depth of his love validated and reciprocated by his partner. The comparison to the tide at its ebb is used to signify the singer's feelings of inner peace and comfort within the embrace of his lover's arms.

Overall, the song is a romantic ballad that uses the powerful imagery of nature to convey the intensity of the emotions between two people in love. The lyrics are simple yet heartfelt, and the repetition of the tide metaphor creates a sense of continuity and harmony throughout the song.

Line by Line Meaning

First the tide rushes in
The wave of a tide swiftly moves toward the shore and

Plants a kiss on the shore
gently touches the shore with a kiss

Then goes out to sea
and then it leaves again to go back into the ocean

And the sea is very still once more
leaving the ocean calm and peaceful.

So I rush to your side
In the same way, I rush to be by your side,

Like the oncoming tide
coming towards you like the tide toward the shore

With one burning thought:
My mind full of one thought

Will your arms open wide?
will you embrace me with open arms?

At last we're face to face
Finally, we found ourselves looking into each other's eyes

And as we kiss through an embrace
we kissed during an embrace

I can tell, I can feel you are loved
I can feel that you are cherished and in love