Their … Read Full Bio ↴Tide Lines are a four-piece band from the Scottish Highlands.
Their sound has been described as “...Folk with rousing rock, sparkling electronics and escapist lyrics....awash with arms-aloft sing-alongs.” (The Sunday Times) and “...roaring tunes embracing anthemic lift-off and wide-eyed wonderment” (The Daily Mirror)
Their latest album, Eye of the Storm, finished its first week at number 12 in the UK Album Charts in May 2020: topping both the Scottish and Independent album charts in the process.
In 2019, they were named “the Rising Sound of Scotland” at the Nordoff Robbins Scottish Music Awards - one month after selling out the 1900 capacity Barrowland Ballroom in just 5 minutes.
The band formed in 2016 and write most of their original material in English but always with a nod to their Gaelic heritage.
Walking on the Waves
Tide Lines Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Laughter in the rain
A whisky in the darkness
It all feels just the same.
Watch the sunset over Hynish
See the twilight merge to dawn
Hear the waves caress the shoreline
I've been walking, walking these shores all my days
But with you by my side I am walking on the waves.
There's two lovers on the machair
And they walk down to the sand
Their silhouettes are on the water
As they paddle hand in hand.
And it's a game of sweet surrender
When there's nothing left to say
And there are moments to remember
Once these days are long away.
I've been walking, walking these shores all my days
But with you by my side I am walking on the waves.
So you look out on the ocean
See the headlands and the strands
And you wonder what horizons
Will shape tomorrow's plans
And through the turning of the seasons
And the cycle of the days
Every drink's another reason
To let tomorrow sail away.
I've been walking, walking these shores all my days
But with you by my side I am walking on the waves.
The surging of the ocean,
The breakers on the shore,
The echoes of our bodies,
To the lovers' dream we soar.
I've been walking, walking these shores all my days
But with you by my side I am walking on the waves
The lyrics to Tide Lines' song "Walking on the Waves" evoke a sense of being in a place that brings both joy and comfort regardless of the circumstances. The opening lines set the scene of an island, where even though there might be differences in weather and surroundings, the feeling remains unchanged. Whether it is the sunlight, rain, or darkness accompanied by whiskey, the essence of the island remains constant and reassuring.
As the song progresses, the focus shifts to the experiences and moments shared with a loved one on the island. Watching the sunset over Hynish and witnessing the transition from twilight to dawn while hearing the waves gently caress the shoreline symbolize the passage of time and the continuity of life. The chorus emphasizes the sense of security and elevation brought about by having this special person by one's side. Walking on the waves becomes a metaphor for navigating through life's challenges with the support and love of a partner.
The second verse introduces another couple, highlighting the simple joys of walking hand in hand on the beach. It represents the surrendering of oneself to love, where words become unnecessary. These are the moments that will be cherished long after the days have passed.
The third verse invites reflection on the vastness of the ocean and the endless possibilities it holds. As one looks out on the ocean, contemplating the future, the lyrics suggest that every new day and every drink should be seen as a reason to let go of worries about tomorrow. It encourages living in the present and embracing the unknown.
The final verse brings attention back to the power and beauty of the ocean, with its surges, breakers, and echoes. The lyrics imply that when two people are deeply connected and in love, their spirits soar and become part of a larger, almost dreamlike experience. It reaffirms the idea that with this connection, one can confidently face the challenges that life presents.
Overall, "Walking on the Waves" celebrates the resilience, joy, and supportive connections that can be found in the midst of life's journey.
Line by Line Meaning
An island in the sunlight
Being in a pleasant and joyful state of mind
Laughter in the rain
Finding happiness and joy even in difficult times
A whisky in the darkness
Seeking comfort or solace in moments of loneliness or sadness
It all feels just the same.
Regardless of the situation, the underlying emotions and experiences remain unchanged.
Watch the sunset over Hynish
Witnessing the beauty and tranquility of nature's wonders
See the twilight merge to dawn
Observing the seamless shift from night to day, symbolizing hope and new beginnings
Hear the waves caress the shoreline
Listening to the gentle, soothing sounds of nature
As the island carries on.
Despite everything, life continues and moves forward
I've been walking, walking these shores all my days
Spending a significant amount of time reflecting and contemplating on life
But with you by my side I am walking on the waves.
With your support and presence in my life, I feel invincible and capable of facing any challenge
There's two lovers on the machair
Depicting a romantic scene of two people in love walking on the grassy dunes
And they walk down to the sand
Moving closer to the truth or essence of their relationship
Their silhouettes are on the water
Symbolizing the lasting impression their love leaves on the world
As they paddle hand in hand.
Supporting and guiding each other through the journey of life
And it's a game of sweet surrender
Love is a delicate dance where surrendering to vulnerability brings sweetness and intimacy
When there's nothing left to say
In moments of complete understanding and connection, words become unnecessary
And there are moments to remember
Memorable and significant moments that shape our lives and relationships
Once these days are long away.
Acknowledging the transient nature of life and the passing of time
So you look out on the ocean
Contemplating life's vast possibilities and endless opportunities
See the headlands and the strands
Observing the diverse landscapes and unique features of the coastline
And you wonder what horizons
Curiosity about the future and the potential it holds
Will shape tomorrow's plans
Considering how choices and decisions today will impact the course of tomorrow
And through the turning of the seasons
Witnessing the cyclical nature of life and the passage of time
And the cycle of the days
Experiencing the repetitive patterns and routines of daily life
Every drink's another reason
Finding excuses to indulge or escape from reality through drinking
To let tomorrow sail away.
Allowing oneself to detach from the future and live in the present moment
The surging of the ocean
The powerful and relentless movement of the sea
The breakers on the shore
The crashing waves as they hit the land, symbolizing the highs and lows of life
The echoes of our bodies
The lingering impact and memories of our physical presence
To the lovers' dream we soar.
Entering a world of shared dreams and desires, where love can elevate us
I've been walking, walking these shores all my days
Reflecting on the passage of time spent contemplating and exploring life
But with you by my side I am walking on the waves.
Having your unwavering support makes me feel like I can overcome any obstacle and achieve the extraordinary
Writer(s): Robert Daniel Robertson, Angus Macphail
Contributed by Bailey J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.