Submarine Blues
Graveyard Lyrics


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When the sky is falling and the air is burning
Just want to close it off and blot out the sun

Goodbye autumn wind
Say hello to spring breeze

Swimming over the river, but water gets deeper
I'm feeling a stream that is dragging me in
I'm circling the whirlpool, going round and down

Give me a blind man's eye
and I'll count all the stars in the sky
Drink the hangman's wine,
to cross the river of life

Our powers are weakening, sinking through that hole
All rumblin' and tumblin' while ... downstream
But I know a path,
yes, I know the way

Give me a blind man's eye
and I'll count all the stars in the sky
Drink the hangman's wine,
to cross the river of life

Give me a blind man's eye
and I'll count all the stars in the sky




Drink the hangman's wine,
to cross the river of life

Overall Meaning

Graveyard's "Submarine Blues" is a dreamy track that touches on themes of drowning, loss of control, and surrender. The opening lines, "when the sky is falling and the air is burning, just want to close it off and blot out the sun," evoke a sense of overwhelming despair and helplessness. The desire to shut out the world in times of turmoil is something that many people can likely relate to. The phrase "submarine blues" itself suggests being submerged or trapped, as if in an underwater vessel.


The second verse introduces the image of the river, with the water getting deeper as the singer tries to swim over it. The metaphor of the stream dragging the singer in could represent the feeling of being pulled under by the weight of problems or responsibilities. The whirlpool they're circling around suggests being caught in a cycle of negativity or self-destruction. However, there's also a sense of purpose and direction here, as the singer claims to know the way out.


The repeated refrain of "give me a blind man's eye, and I'll count all the stars in the sky, drink the hangman's wine, to cross the river of life" is both ominous and hopeful. The blind man's eye could represent a sense of inner vision or intuition that allows the singer to see beyond the surface of things. Counting the stars in the sky and drinking the hangman's wine are both risky or dangerous actions that suggest bravery or desperation. Crossing the river of life implies overcoming obstacles or obstacles that seem insurmountable. Overall, "Submarine Blues" is a song that balances darkness and light, and speaks to the human desire for control and agency.


Line by Line Meaning

When the sky is falling and the air is burning
In times of crisis, I feel overwhelmed and just want to block out the world


Goodbye autumn wind
Farewell to the past, it's time for change


Say hello to spring breeze
Embrace new beginnings and opportunities


Swimming over the river, but water gets deeper
I'm trying to move forward, but the challenges are getting harder


I'm feeling a stream that is dragging me in
I'm struggling to stay afloat and control my direction


I'm circling the whirlpool, going round and down
I'm caught in a dangerous cycle that's pulling me under


Give me a blind man's eye
If I had nothing to distract me, I could achieve great things


and I'll count all the stars in the sky
I have the ability to accomplish amazing feats


Drink the hangman's wine,
I'm willing to take risks and face the consequences


to cross the river of life
To navigate the challenges of life


Our powers are weakening, sinking through that hole
We're losing strength and sinking into despair


All rumblin' and tumblin' while ... downstream
We're being tossed around by the tumultuous nature of life


But I know a path,
Despite the difficulties, I have a plan


yes, I know the way
I'm confident in my ability to overcome obstacles




Contributed by Eli N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Christopher Dennis Kissinger


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