By the time of their debut album, 1980's Crocodiles - a moderate UK hit - the drum machine had been replaced by Pete de Freitas. Their next, the critically-acclaimed Heaven Up Here, reached the Top Ten in 1981, as did 1983's Porcupine and '84's Ocean Rain. Singles like "The Killing Moon" (later used in the soundtrack to Donnie Darko, a film whose imagery owed much to the artwork of the band's early records.), "Silver," "Bring on the Dancing Horses," and "The Cutter" helped keep the group in the public eye as they took a brief hiatus in the late 1980s. Their 1987 self-titled LP was a small American hit, their only LP to have significant sales there.
McCulloch quit the band in 1988. De Freitas was killed in a motorcycle accident one year later. The others decided to continue, recruiting Noel Burke to replace McCulloch on vocals in Reverberation (1990), which did not generate much excitement among fans or critics. Burke, Sargeant and Pattinson split after that, but the surviving three fourths of the original band reformed in 1997 and released Evergreen (1997), What are You Going to Do with Your Life? (1999), Flowers (2001) , Siberia (2005), and the latest addition, The Fountain (2009). The group's old audience liked the return to their classic sound, and they also managed to gain a number of new, younger listeners.
Echo and the Bunnymen were managed early on by Bill Drummond, who went on to be a founder member of The KLF.
09-Blue Blue Ocean
Echo & the Bunnymen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Looking for freedom, born to be tamed
Once in a lifetime, one of these days
Gonna grab me a lifeline, swinging my way
I'm swimming out on a blue, blue ocean
You're sailing out on a blue, blue sea
Silhouettes and a vulture hoping
You and me
Hearts of fires, hearts of bone
Beating stronger, beating home
Where there's wanting, there is need
Where there's having, there is greed
I'm swimming out on a blue, blue ocean
You're sailing out on a blue, blue sea
Silhouettes and a vulture hoping
He's gonna pick the bones of you and me
You and me
Girl I want the gold dust in your fingers
And your klondike touch
Girl I want the goldmine as it shimmers
In your solemn eyes
I'm swimming out on a blue, blue ocean
You're sailing out on a blue, blue sea
Silhouettes and a vulture hoping
Licking the bones of you and me
I'm swimming out on a blue, blue ocean
You're sailing out on a blue, blue sea
Blue, blue sea
I'm swimming out on the ocean
(Blue, blue ocean)
You're sailing out on the sea
(Blue, blue sea)
I'm swimming out on the ocean
(Blue, blue ocean)
You're sailing out on the sea
(Blue, blue sea)
I'm swimming out on the ocean
(Blue, blue ocean)
You're sailing out on the sea
(Blue, blue sea)
I'm swimming out on the ocean
(Blue, blue ocean)
You're sailing out on the sea
(Blue, blue sea)
Blue, blue ocean
Blue, blue sea
...
The lyrics of Echo & the Bunnymen's song Blue Blue Ocean revolve around two individuals who are searching for freedom and purpose in life. The first stanza describes the universal desire for finding one's place in the world, using imagery of taming and lifelines. The second stanza is more philosophical, contrasting the concepts of "wanting" and "having," and commenting on how they relate to human need and greed.
The chorus is the most striking part of the song, as it describes the two individuals separately navigating treacherous waters full of danger and risk. It's unclear whether they are allies or foes, but the vulture lurking in the background suggests some sort of conflict or struggle. The repetition of the line "you and me" emphasizes the duality of the situation and the shared vulnerability of the singers.
The final stanza seems to shift focus to a romantic relationship, as the singer expresses a desire for something precious and elusive represented by "gold dust" and a "goldmine." This imagery is juxtaposed with the imagery of the vulture in the previous stanza, creating a sense of longing mixed with danger.
Overall, the song seems to be about the search for purpose and connection in a world that can be both beautiful and brutal.
Line by Line Meaning
One in a million, one and the same
It's hard to find someone who is truly unique and original in a world of uniformity.
Looking for freedom, born to be tamed
We long for freedom, but we are also born with the instinct to follow rules and restrictions that keep us safe.
Once in a lifetime, one of these days, gonna grab me a lifeline, swinging my way
There are few chances in life to take advantage of opportunities, but when I spot one, I'll go for it with all I've got.
I'm swimming out on a blue, blue ocean
I am stepping out into the vast and unknown world, confronting the challenges that lie ahead with determination and resolve.
You're sailing out on a blue, blue sea
You, too, are embarking on a journey towards the unknown and uncharted territories of life.
Silhouettes and a vulture hoping, he's gonna pick the bones of you and me
We are all vulnerable and at risk of falling prey to the greed and malice of others, represented here by the vulture that is waiting to feast on our remains.
Hearts of fires, hearts of bone
We have both passionate and powerful emotions, as well as a steadfast determination to stay true to our values and ideals.
Beating stronger, beating home
Our hearts are resolute, and we are yearning to find a home or a place of belonging where we can be ourselves.
Where there's wanting, there is need, where there's having, there is greed
Desire for something we don't have can drive us to work hard and achieve our goals, but excessive focus on material possessions can also bring out our selfish and greedy side.
Girl I want the gold dust in your fingers, and your klondike touch
I desire the magical spark that sets you apart from others, as well as the mystical aura that surrounds you and makes you unique.
Girl I want the goldmine as it shimmers, in your solemn eyes
I am attracted to the potential and possibilities that you exude, as well as the deep wisdom and insight that emanate from your eyes.
Licking the bones of you and me
The vulture is now savoring the leftovers of our dreams and ambitions, once so fervently pursued but now dashed and abandoned.
Blue, blue ocean, blue, blue sea
The ocean and sea are the metaphorical representation of the vast, unknown future that we will be facing, with all its challenges and opportunities.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: IAN STEPHEN MCCULLOCH, LESLIE THOMAS PATTINSON, WILLIAM SERGEANT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind