Oceans Ate Alaska signed to Density Records in 2012, two years after their formation in 2010. They released two EPs with the label. In 2014, the band signed to Fearless Records. The band was featured on Fearless Records' compilation album 'Punk Goes Pop, Vol. 6', covering "Drunk in Love" by Beyoncé.
The band released their debut album 'Lost Isles' on February 24, 2015 and the next year played the entire 2016 Vans Warped Tour.
On December 16, 2016, the band announced on their Facebook that they were going into the studio to record their second album. They also announced that they had parted ways with vocalist James Harrison. On February 1, 2017 the band officially announced their new lead vocalist, Jake Noakes.
On May 25, 2017, the band released "Covert", the first single with Noakes performing vocals. On June 8, 2017 they released a new single titled "Escapist". On July 28, 2017, the band released their album Hikari' as well as a music video for the song "Hansha".
To Catch A Flame
Oceans Ate Alaska Lyrics
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Where I hope you'll be waiting
It's growing ever brighter
I'll never stop chasing you down!
I can taste the smoke in the air
But you always slip right through my fingers
Learning to look but never to touch
I guess it's just bad luck
Catching flames, is such a dangerous game to play
All your left with is burnt fingers
Black cinders in the palm of your hands
You'll always be the place I call home
Warming the coldest of rooms, I know I'm not alone
The thought of you keeps me warm!
In the coldest of weather
You always leave me in the dark
If I can feel the spark, then why can't you?
Tempting men to fuel the fire
Boiling their blood, like you knew you would
You always leave me in the dark
If I can feel the spark, then why can't you?
Tempting men to fuel the fire
Boiling their blood, like you knew you would
Catching flames, is such a dangerous game to play!
All your left with is burnt fingers
Black cinders in the palm of your hands!
The lyrics of Oceans Ate Alaska's song "To Catch a Flame" highlight the universal theme of unrequited love. The song portrays the struggle of the singer to catch the attention of the person they love, who seems to be just out of reach. The opening lines set the stage for the song's theme, as the singer sees hope at the end of the tunnel and expects the awaited someone to be there. The next lines introduce the metaphor of smoke and flames, which symbolize the passion and desire that the singer has for the loved one. However, the chorus highlights the danger that comes with this "game" of chasing flames, as it only leaves the player with hurt and regret, represented as burn marks on their fingers.
Despite the pain, the singer can't help but hold on to hope and see the loved one as their home, a place that warms them up even in the coldest of weather. The bridge of the song exposes how the singer begins to doubt themselves as the loved one keeps them in the dark, unable to acknowledge their feelings. They see others falling into the same trap, and they wonder why the loved one still escapes them. The final chorus repeats the metaphor of flames, emphasizing the importance of not chasing what can only harm and burn us.
Line by Line Meaning
There's light at the end of this tunnel
Hope for a positive outcome in a difficult situation
Where I hope you'll be waiting
Anticipating someone's presence and support
It's growing ever brighter
The hope and positivity is increasing
I'll never stop chasing you down!
Determined pursuit of someone or something
I can taste the smoke in the air
Sensing danger or consequences
But you always slip right through my fingers
Difficulty or inability to hold onto something important
Learning to look but never to touch
Teaching oneself to admire from afar
I guess it's just bad luck
Attributing unsuccessful endeavors to luck
You'll always be the place I call home
Feeling comfort and safety in someone or something
Warming the coldest of rooms, I know I'm not alone
Finding solace and companionship in a specific place or person
The thought of you keeps me warm!
Mental and emotional comfort
In the coldest of weather
During difficult or trying times
You always leave me in the dark
Lack of clarity or honesty from someone
If I can feel the spark, then why can't you?
Experiencing strong emotions while the other person seems indifferent
Tempting men to fuel the fire
Intentionally inciting strong reactions in others
Boiling their blood, like you knew you would
Deliberately causing a strong emotional response in others
Catching flames, is such a dangerous game to play!
Taking risks that can result in negative consequences
All your left with is burnt fingers
Suffering the negative consequences of risky behavior
Black cinders in the palm of your hands!
The lasting effect of poor decision-making
Contributed by Christian A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.