Ebb Tide
Neil Diamond Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

First the tide rushes in
Plants a kiss on the shore
Then rolls out to sea
And the sea is very still once more

So I rush to your side
Like the oncoming tide
With one burning thought
Will your arms open wide

At last we're face to face
And as we kiss through an embrace
I can tell
I can feel
You are love
You are really mine

In the rain, in the dark, in the sun
Like the tide at its ebb




I'm at peace in the web
Of your arms

Overall Meaning

In Neil Diamond's song Ebb Tide, the lyrics are describing the cyclical nature of the ocean's tides and how it mirrors the cycle of love between two people. The song opens by metaphorically comparing the rush of the tide to a lover's kiss on the shore. Then, as the tide recedes, the sea becomes still once again. This tranquillity is short-lived for the singer, who rushes towards his lover, hoping they can be reunited once again. The lyrics convey a longing for the other person and a desire to be loved and held by them. The singer explains that when they finally come together in each other's arms, it feels like his search for love is complete. He is at peace with himself and the world in the web of his lover's embrace.


Overall, the lyrics are meant to be both passionate and heart-warming, evoking feelings of love, desire, and contentment. Through his song, Neil Diamond illuminates how sometimes it takes the pattern of something as natural and repetitive as the tides of the sea to fully understand the nature of love.


Line by Line Meaning

First the tide rushes in
The incoming tide quickly approaches and reaches the shore at high speed


Plants a kiss on the shore
The tide gently touches the shore and leaves a small imprint, like a kiss


Then rolls out to sea
The tide then slowly withdraws back to the sea


And the sea is very still once more
After the tide has gone back to the sea, the water becomes calm and peaceful again


So I rush to your side
Just like the tide that rushes towards the shore, I am in a hurry to be with you


Like the oncoming tide
I approach you with the same urgency and speed as the incoming tide


With one burning thought
I have only one thought in my mind as I reach you


Will your arms open wide
I hope that you will welcome me into your embrace


At last we're face to face
Finally, we are able to meet each other eye-to-eye


And as we kiss through an embrace
We embrace and kiss each other passionately


I can tell
I sense and understand


I can feel
I have a strong emotional response


You are love
You embody the very definition of love


You are really mine
I feel a strong sense of possession and belonging to you


In the rain, in the dark, in the sun
I will be there for you in all types of weather and situations


Like the tide at its ebb
Just as the tide reaches its lowest point of withdrawal, I too feel calm and at peace in your presence


I'm at peace in the web
I find serenity and tranquility in the embrace of your arms


Of your arms
The enveloping nature of your embrace brings me a sense of comfort and security




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CARL SIGMAN, ROBERT MAXWELL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions