Ocean Waves
Passerby Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

So many wasted days
Come and go like ocean waves
It hits me like a freight train
And now I can't get off my face

How could I have been so polite to simply let them die
Who am I to spread my fingers after God has filled my hands
Watching the moments slip through like desert sand

Respect her ignorance
Just in case she takes offense
The darkness that's killing her
Well that is just not my concern

How could I have been so polite to simply let them die
Who am I to spread my fingers after God has filled my hands
Watching the moments slip through like desert sand





You're not guaranteed tomorrow

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in Passerby's song Ocean Waves speak to the regret of wasted time and missed opportunities. The comparison to ocean waves emphasizes the fleeting nature of time, as days come and go quickly and unexpectedly. The line "It hits me like a freight train" brings a sense of urgency to the regret, as the realization hits hard and suddenly.


The second verse touches on a sense of guilt for not doing more, for not using all the resources and opportunities available. It's a self-criticism for being too passive and not taking enough action. The line "Watching the moments slip through like desert sand" reinforces the theme of time slipping away, while also adding a sense of helplessness, as if the singer is watching something he cannot control.


The last verse adds a new element of responsibility towards others, specifically towards someone struggling in darkness. The line "Respect her ignorance just in case she takes offense" shows the difficulty in intervening, even with good intentions, and the potential backlash. The final line "You're not guaranteed tomorrow" emphasizes the urgency of taking action now and not waiting until it's too late.


Overall, the lyrics of Ocean Waves reveal a sense of regret for lost time and missed opportunities, a sense of guilt for not doing enough, and a responsibility towards helping others in need.


Line by Line Meaning

So many wasted days
Days keep passing without any meaningful action or achievement.


Come and go like ocean waves
Just like waves in an ocean, days come and go without any specific purpose or effect.


It hits me like a freight train
The realization of wasted time and missed opportunities is sudden and heavy, like a train hitting one's consciousness.


And now I can't get off my face
The regret and disappointment is visible on one's face and is impossible to ignore or hide.


How could I have been so polite to simply let them die
Reflecting on missed chances, the artist regrets not taking action when they could have helped someone or something.


Who am I to spread my fingers after God has filled my hands
The singer feels guilty for not using their blessings and talents to help others or make a difference.


Watching the moments slip through like desert sand
Time is slipping away too fast, like sand through one's fingers, and nothing meaningful or impactful is being done.


Respect her ignorance
Don't judge or blame the person who doesn't understand the gravity of the situation or issue.


Just in case she takes offense
Be considerate and careful not to offend or hurt the person with the truth or harsh reality.


The darkness that's killing her
The artist acknowledges the pain and struggle of someone else who is suffering from a difficult or overwhelming situation.


Well that is just not my concern
The singer realizes that they cannot fix or solve everyone's problems, and sometimes have to keep a distance.


You're not guaranteed tomorrow
Everyone's time is limited and uncertain, and the artist urges to use the opportunities to make a positive impact while still possible.




Contributed by Michael J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

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

More Versions