Transatlanticism
Death Cab for Cutie Lyrics
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The clouds above opened up and let it out
I was standing on the surface of a perforated sphere
When the water filled every hole
And thousands upon thousands made an ocean
Making islands, where no islands should go (oh no)
Most people were overjoyed, they took to their boats
The rhythm of my footsteps crossing flatlands to your door
Have been silenced forevermore
And the distance is quite simply much too far for me to row
It seems farther than ever before (oh no)
I need you so much closer
I need you so much closer
I need you so much closer
I need you so much closer
I need you so much closer
I need you so much closer
I need you so much closer
I need you so much closer
I need you so much closer
I need you so much closer
I need you so much closer
I need you so much closer
So come on, come on
So come on, come on
So come on, come on
So come on, come on
The lyrics to Death Cab for Cutie's song Transatlanticism use the image of the birth of the Atlantic ocean to explore themes of distance, isolation, and the universal human need for connection. The opening lines of the song imagine the moment when the Atlantic Ocean was formed, with the clouds opening up and water filling every hole in a perforated sphere. This is followed by the image of thousands of islands forming, "where no islands should go." These lines serve as a metaphor for the idea that connections and relationships can form in unexpected ways, even in places where they seem unlikely or impossible.
The song then turns to the singer's own experience of distance and isolation. "Most people were overjoyed," the singer notes, "they took to their boats." But for the singer, the new ocean seems more like a moat, serving only to separate him further from the person he longs to be with. The singer's footsteps that once crossed flatlands to this person's door are now silenced forevermore. The distance between them is too great to cross, seeming "farther than ever before."
The recurring chorus, "I need you so much closer," contains both longing and desperation, with the singer admitting that he cannot cross the distance on his own. The repetition of this line emphasizes the intensity of the singer's need for connection and the frustration of being unable to bridge the gap. Overall, the lyrics of Transatlanticism offer a poignant reflection on the human desire for connection and the pain of separation, using the metaphor of a vast new ocean to convey this emotional landscape.
Line by Line Meaning
The Atlantic was born today, and I'll tell you how
The singer is describing a powerful and sudden change in their life, using the metaphor of the birth of the Atlantic Ocean.
The clouds above opened up and let it out
The singer experienced a release or revelation that caused this change, like water pouring down from the sky.
I was standing on the surface of a perforated sphere
The singer felt like they were standing on a fragile and unstable surface, full of holes and potential for collapse.
When the water filled every hole
Something significant and overwhelming filled the voids in the artist's life, leaving no empty spaces.
And thousands upon thousands made an ocean
Many small things added up to create something much larger and more profound than anyone expected.
Making islands, where no islands should go (oh no)
This change created separation and space where there was none before, perhaps causing unease or concern for the singer.
Most people were overjoyed, they took to their boats
Others reacted differently to this change, finding joy and excitement in it and moving forward confidently.
I thought it less like a lake and more like a moat
The artist saw the change as more isolating and dividing than connecting, like a moat around a castle.
The rhythm of my footsteps crossing flatlands to your door
The artist is recalling a past time when they could visit someone else by walking across flat terrain, a setup that has changed since the Atlantic was born.
Have been silenced forevermore
This relationship or connection has been permanently severed, rendering the artist's footsteps futile and meaningless.
And the distance is quite simply much too far for me to row
The singer recognizes that the gap between them and the other person is too large to be bridged on their own, even with great effort.
It seems farther than ever before (oh no)
Though they are not physically farther apart, the emotional and metaphorical distance between the artist and the other person has grown immensely since the change.
I need you so much closer
The singer desires emotional closeness and connection with the other person, even if physical proximity is not possible.
So come on, come on
The singer is urging the other person to meet them halfway and work towards rebuilding their relationship.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Benjamin Gibbard, Christopher Walla
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Varck
My life is going really well, but for some reason I find myself here. I read all of these comments and really see how many people have it so bad. I'm so sorry for everyone you have lost. I'm sorry they aren't there in your time of need. But when they aren't there just come to this comment section and you will find the most beautiful people you will ever come to meet. People that have hurt are the best kind of people, they know how it feels and can help so many people. It's so sad to think that these people are the greatest of them all but lose their lives because they couldn't take it anymore. Please, if you are reading this please do not give up. Talk to someone, talk to anyone just don't give up. You are the light that shines in the darkness. IF you talk to someone you will lead them to that light. Please, help eachother. I love you all so very much.
EDIT:
I wrote this comment over 2 years ago and have just read through it all again, every last comment. I am so lucky to have spoken to you guys, you have all touched my heart. I've had some rough times whilst writing back to you guys, but I am now completely happy and content with the choices I've made. I'm 19 now and looking at moving out soon, hopefully some day soon I will have a job as a police officer too! One thing I will never forget is this comment section. Every day I think about the people I've spoken too and just the sheer amount of love everyone has shown for one another. I'll keep as updated as I can. And Dot, I hope everythings turned out well for you bud ;)
If someones candle has gone out, share yours with them and re ignite it. Stay safe guys. I love you all <3
EDIT:
It's now 2023! I'm attained my goal of moving out of home which has been super exciting! Bought a new motorbike (CBR1000RR Fireblade) which is great fun, nothing like going out for a ride to destress after a hard day. I've also started seeing a personal trainer so I can start hitting some fitness goals in the future to take some steps towards become a police officer or perhaps even the Military! Thank you all once again for reading, I hope you enjoy your stay here, and remember, take baby steps, putting one foot in front of the other, eventually you will get to where you need to be <3
EDIT:
Halfway through 2023! If you're reading this, then you've done one hell of a job getting here. Not too much has changed since my last edit, but this is here to show that I am here to help when I can. If you need a hand, please make sure it has me tagged in your comment so I can see it better on my feed. Thank you for reading my comment, and perhaps the many loving people who have replied to my posts. Keep going love, focus on what makes you happy and perhaps it will bleed into your everyday life <3
Andy Coleman
I lost my daughter a few months on 17th April to suicide. She battled an eating disorder and mental illness for 5 years and lost the battle this year in April. She was 18yo. My heart is breaking. I am so close to giving up. I just want to see her again.
I miss her. It really hurts..
She was in and out of the hospital I worked in as an anaesthetic RN, for 5 years. Every one new her really well. She died in the ICU when she was pronounced brain dead. She came to the operating theatre where I worked and donated her organs. That was her wish.
I could not face working there after this and resigned.
I am now floating around completely lost.
It would be so easy now to give up. Suicide seems like a warm place right now. As each day passes I feel closer to an end.
I am tired and heart broken.
This song is so beautiful. It sums up how I am feeling.
Thankyou for your music.
yves
The Atlantic was born today, and I'll tell you how
The clouds above opened up and let it out
I was standing on the surface of a perforated sphere
When the water filled every hole
And thousands upon thousands made an ocean
Making islands where no islands should go (oh no)
Most people were overjoyed they took to their boats
I thought it less like a lake and more like a moat
The rhythm of my footsteps crossing flatlands to your
Door have been silenced forevermore
And the distance is quite simply much to far for me to row
It seems farther than ever before (oh no)
I need you so much closer
So come on, come on
CHUCKY T
I first listened to this song when I was 18. It helped me with my first heartbreak and depression among other identity issues I had. Im now 33 married with a daughter and a son on the way. Im in tears writing this as I think about my life. All I can say is it feels like home every time I hear this song. I come here every few years.
Sung Yul Taylor
Not a huge Death Cab fan but this song is LEGENDARY. So much passion and emotion. Simply a great piece of music.
LIGHT IN THEART
Sung Yul Taylor this my favorite album from them!
Glenda Miller
Absolutely❤
drummerjstone
Try Stable Song!
Gabrielle Pablo-Rosales
Whenever hear this song, I think of emotional distance in a relationship rather than literal, physical distance. The feeling of someone you love pushing you away so much that it’s almost impossible to close the gap that lies between the two of you.
Karl Strausside
Thank you
Alternate Universe42
Haven't listened to this in years because I knew it would ruin me to hear it again. Finally here and think it's actually more painful than anticipated but glad I've done it. Really is a great song.
CptCanada
Why was it painful?
Taylor Ann
I feel the same but this song seems even more powerful to me now. It feels like a good part of me.