Ship on the Ocean
Groundhogs Lyrics


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I'm like a ship on the ocean that's rolling from side to side
But I'm not drunk I'm just dissatisfied
It's not my body but my mind I can't control
I have everything I need but still... I want more

I've done everything that l've ever set out to do
I become so well known that they've put me in who's who
But I've reached the limit and I don't know what to do
If I can't go no further I'll have to go back... to being poor





Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Groundhogs' song Ship On the Ocean offer a voyeuristic glimpse into the mind of a person who has seemingly achieved everything they ever wanted, yet finds themselves unfulfilled and dissatisfied. The singer compares their state of mind to a ship on the ocean, rolling from side to side, suggesting a sense of instability and lack of control. They clarify that they are not drunk, but rather plagued by a mental restlessness that they cannot seem to shake. The lyrics point towards the singer's struggle to find fulfillment and meaning in life despite having everything they need materially.


The second stanza reveals that the singer has achieved great success and fame, having been placed in "who's who." However, their achievements come with a price, as they now feel trapped and limited in what they can do. They are uncertain about what the future holds and contemplate the possibility of having to return to a state of poverty if they cannot move forward. This reflects a common anxiety that successful people experience about what's to come and whether they can maintain or surpass their current achievements.


Overall, the song reveals the complexities of human desires and how even when goals are achieved, there may still be a sense of discontentment and dissatisfaction. The ship on the ocean symbolizes the human condition, always moving and searching for something more.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm like a ship on the ocean that's rolling from side to side
I feel lost and directionless in life, much like a ship tossed around by the waves.


But I'm not drunk I'm just dissatisfied
Despite appearances, my dissatisfaction with life is not due to any substance abuse.


It's not my body but my mind I can't control
I feel like my thoughts and emotions are running wild and I can't rein them in.


I have everything I need but still... I want more
Despite having achieved success and material wealth, I still feel like something is missing and I crave more.


I've done everything that l've ever set out to do
I've accomplished all the goals I've set for myself in life.


I become so well known that they've put me in who's who
I've achieved a high level of recognition and success, to the point of being included in prestigious lists like 'who's who.'


But I've reached the limit and I don't know what to do
Despite my success, I feel like I've hit a wall and don't know where to go from here.


If I can't go no further I'll have to go back... to being poor
If I can't find a way to continue moving forward in life, I fear that I may lose everything I've gained and go back to a state of poverty.




Contributed by Lauren F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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