Between Something and Nothing
Ocean Blue Lyrics
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Words that form a phrase
In a poem or a letter
Could not convey the meaning
Of what this man has done
In a painting
On canvas
As the colors fading
Can you see me
Are you near me
I find myself on canvas
I find myself on stage
Can you see me
Are you near me
And I long to know you're real
And I long for you to be part of me
I long to know you're real
And I long for you to be a part of me
In the fading twilight
I sit and stare at her
In all her beauty
Her beauty
You know I have to wonder
Why all great men must die
And leave their treasure
They leave their treasure
The lyrics to Ocean Blue's song "Between Something and Nothing" speak about the limitations of language and how it can fail to fully express the meaning behind a work of art or the actions of a person. The words in a poem, letter, or sentence can often fall short in capturing the depth and impact of what is being conveyed.
Instead, the song suggests that a painting or a performance on stage can capture a fuller range of emotions and meaning. The colors on canvas can dictate our moods and the visual arts can evoke a sense of being seen or understood in a way that language cannot. The lyrics also express a yearning for connection and understanding, as the singer longs for someone to be a part of them and to be "real."
The song ends with a somber reflection on the transience of life and the passing of great men and their legacies. The singer wonders why these treasures are left behind and laments their absence.
Line by Line Meaning
Words that form a sentence
A complete group of words conveying a single idea cannot fully represent the depth of emotion being expressed here.
Words that form a phrase
Even a partial expression of words could not possibly capture the entirety of what this man has achieved.
In a poem or a letter
Even the most artful arrangement of words on paper cannot convey the true meaning of this man's artistic expression.
Could not convey the meaning
No words, be they in a sentence, phrase, poem, or letter, can fully capture the meaning of this man's artistic creations.
Of what this man has done
The artistic accomplishments of this man are unfathomable and beyond the realm of words to adequately describe.
In a painting
One of the artistic mediums used by this man in his work.
On canvas
The surface upon which the artist creates his work.
As the colors fading
The gradual dimming of colors on the canvas represents the transience of life and the limited time available to make an impact.
They dictate my mood
The colors on the canvas deeply affect the artist emotionally.
Can you see me
The artist desires to be seen and recognized for his work.
Are you near me
The artist desires to be surrounded by supportive individuals who understand and appreciate his work.
I find myself on canvas
Creating art is an integral part of the artist's identity.
I find myself on stage
The artist desires to showcase his work to a wide audience.
And I long to know you're real
The artist is seeking genuine, authentic connections with others who appreciate his work.
And I long for you to be part of me
The artist desires to feel a sense of community and belonging with others who share his passion for art.
In the fading twilight
The dimming of light in the evening represents the fleeting nature of life and the importance of making the most of the time one has.
I sit and stare at her
The artist is contemplating and deeply appreciating the beauty of his creation.
In all her beauty
The artwork is a reflection of the artist's perception of beauty and emotion.
Her beauty
The beauty of the artwork is both tangible and ineffable.
You know I have to wonder
The artist is questioning the universal truth of why great individuals are often taken from the world too soon.
Why all great men must die
The shortness of life and the fleeting nature of human existence is a recurring theme in the artist's work.
And leave their treasure
Despite the inevitability of death, great artists leave behind a legacy of artistic treasures for future generations to appreciate and learn from.
They leave their treasure
Artists are able to leave behind a permanent, lasting impact through the beauty and emotion captured in their work.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAVID GEORGE SCHELZEL, ROBERT LEE MITTAN, ROBERT SCOTT MINNIG, STEVEN ERIC LAU
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind