By the Sea
Len Cariou Lyrics

I feel you Johanna
The singer is emotionally connected and yearning for Johanna

Do they think that walls can hide you?
The singer doubts that physical barriers can keep him away from Johanna

Even now I'm at you window
The singer is physically present near Johanna's window

I am in the dark beside you
The artist is standing in the shadows near Johanna

Buried sweetly in your yellow hair
The artist is drawn to Johanna's beauty and is metaphorically buried in her hair

And are you beautiful and pale With yellow hair Like her?
The singer is asking if Johanna resembles another woman he desires

I'd want you beautiful and pale The way I've dreamed you were Johanna Johanna
The singer idealizes Johanna and desires her to be exactly as he imagines

And if you're beautiful, what then With yellow hair Like wheat? I think we shall not meet again My little dove My sweet Johanna
The artist wonders what may come of Johanna's beauty and laments that they won't meet again

I'll steal you Johanna
The artist wants to take Johanna away by force

Good-bye Johanna You're gone and yet you're mine I'm fine Johanna I'm fine Johanna
The artist is conflicted about letting Johanna go but ultimately declares he's okay without her

Smoke Smoke Sign of the Devil Sign of the Devil C'iy on fire Witch A witch Smell that Sir? An evil smell Ev’ry night at the Vesper’s bell Smoke that comes from the mouth of hell C'iy on fire C'iy on fire Mischief Mischief Mischief
The singer is describing a scene of smoke and fire and believes it to be the work of an evil force

And if I never hear your voice My turtledove My dear I still have reason to rejoice, The way ahead is clear Johanna
The artist realizes he may never hear from Johanna, but finds solace in knowing what actions he must now take

And in the darkness When I'm blind with what I can't forget It's always morning in my mind My little lamb My pet Johanna You stay Johanna (Johanna) The way I've dreamed you are Oh look Johanna A star (Buried sweetly in your yellow hair) A shooting star
The singer reminisces about Johanna and imagines her as a bright star in his mind

There There Somebody Somebody Look up there Didn't I tell you? Smell that air C'iy on fire Quick Sir Run and tell More and more like a witch's spell There it is There it is The unholy smell Tell it to the Beadle, and police as well Tell 'em Tell 'em Help Please(wrong) Fiend (right) C'iy on fire C'it on fire Mischief Mischief
The singer directs attention to a sight and smell that he believes to be proof of malicious activity and advises others to take action

And though I'll think of you, I guess Until the day I die I think I miss you less and less As everyday goes by Johanna Johanna
The singer still thinks of Johanna but finds that he misses her less and less as time goes on

And you'd be beautiful and pale And look too much like her If only angels could prevail We'd be the way we were Johanna
The artist imagines Johanna as beautiful and resembling another woman he desires, and wishes they could be together

Wake up, Johanna Another bright red day We learn Johanna To say Good-bye
The artist is wistfully wishing for Johanna to awaken and continue their relationship, but knows it's time to say farewell

I'll steal you
Repetition of a line from earlier in the song, indicating the singer's continued desire to take Johanna away by force