Ocean Billy
Umphrey's McGee Lyrics


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It was such a misfortune to steal
But the time finally came so I took
If the moment was stretched to the seams
Would it matter if nobody looked

Half of the time on a stage
Most of it's not even real
Regardless of anything fake
How much can you practice to steal

If the moment gets lost in the words
For one time just let it be heard
Resembling is never enough
And to carry on blind was absurd

Between either side of a choice
What's possible it holds even more
However the effort is voiced
This has all probably happened before

I missed the boat on what you said
So say it all again
I think I'm off on what you meant
So tell me one more time
I missed the boat on what you said
So say it all again
Is it the same thing before
I think I'm off on what you meant




So tell me one more time
Unless it's the same thing

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Umphrey's McGee's "Ocean Billy" portray the theme of theft and the consequences that come with it. The singer of the song is a thief who has recently committed a robbery. He reflects on the incident, as well as the ephemeral nature of a moment while performing music on stage. He questions how much one can practice to perfect a move, and how much the audience can differentiate between what's real and what's fake.


The chorus recounts how he missed out on something important that someone said, and how he wants them to repeat it so that he can grasp its meaning. He fears that perhaps he has misunderstood everything and that his interpretations are incorrect. The lyrics suggest a sense of longing, regret, and remorse. They imply that the thief is more than just a thief - he is also a musician who understands the ephemeral nature of experiences and the importance of understanding the messages conveyed.


The song's theme of theft is not limited to the lyrics alone, as the song's melody is inspired by another song called "Thief" by the jazz musician Pat Metheny. "Ocean Billy" is a song from the band's 2006 album, "Safety in Numbers," and is a part of their live shows, where they often extend it with soaring instrumentals and extended jams.


Line by Line Meaning

It was such a misfortune to steal
Stealing was not a fortunate event


But the time finally came so I took
Despite it being unfortunate, I had to do it eventually


If the moment was stretched to the seams
If the moment was prolonged to its limits


Would it matter if nobody looked
Does it matter if no one notices or pays attention?


Half of the time on a stage
Most of the time is spent performing on stage


Most of it's not even real
A significant portion of it is not genuine


Regardless of anything fake
Even if something is not authentic


How much can you practice to steal
Is it possible to practice and improve stealing skills?


If the moment gets lost in the words
If the significance of the moment is overshadowed by the words spoken


For one time just let it be heard
Allow the moment to be recognized at least once


Resembling is never enough
Merely resembling something is insufficient


And to carry on blind was absurd
Continuing without awareness or understanding was nonsensical


Between either side of a choice
When presented with two options


What's possible it holds even more
What is possible contains even greater potential


However the effort is voiced
Regardless of how much effort is put forth


This has all probably happened before
This situation is likely a repeat of past events


I missed the boat on what you said
I failed to comprehend what you said earlier


So say it all again
Please repeat everything you said


I think I'm off on what you meant
I believe I misunderstood your intended meaning


So tell me one more time
Please explain it to me once more


Is it the same thing before
Is it identical to what was previously said?


Unless it's the same thing
Unless it is a repetition of earlier statements




Contributed by Colin J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@jereuter01

Cymbal at 8:24 is so cool. And the change that begins at 9:46 is incredible....and the transition back into original jam at 15:15 is awesome.

@cameron1328

This was such a sick show! R.i.p. Andy from Railroad Earth (love Amen Corner) your band was an amazing opening for Umphrey's. You guys killed it that Kashmir ending is still etched in my mind. I was with my best friend and new friends to witness such a sick performance! We traveled 1k miles out of the way for this it was so fucking worth! Thank you!!

@budderfingerz7109

Such a sick show.. we traveled from southern Illinois to see this show and it was a magical night.. RRE had an amazing set too!

@networker2009

one of the best "Ocean Billy" versions that they have ever done.. I listen to it six years later and it still gives me goose bumps.... yeah!

@loud7070

One of the best live bands on the planet ! ! ! !

@budderfingerz7109

This was one of my favorite shows I've ever been to.. with railroad earth opening was just a blessing.. I love this band so much

@MarshallATV

These guys are just the greatest stuff man.. Both guitar players are so damn talented!

@mokamo23

amazing...on so many levels.... and the extra delay/echo on brendan's voice really helps him sing. they should do that all the time!

@mountainhighsuckers4428

X xx dx x x x. X. DcdcdccdrcdeeadaxAw~

@The1mamajan

This group really cooks.  Makes me dream of younger days gone by.  Can't wish for anything but wonderful things for Umphrey's McGee. Keep at it forever!

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