This Sea
Voltaire Lyrics


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"'Twas the worst of times for tinkers like you and me.
So in search of fortune I took to the sea."

"Round my neck, a key you said was to your heart.
Held it desperately as your ship left the dock."

CHORUS:
I can't forget, I won't forgive this sea
For the endless hurt it gave to me.
I want to stab, I want to kill this sea.
Took you away, took you away from me.

"Silks from Singapore, a treasure from Tripoli for you.
And from Suvla Bay, I've scars for souvenirs."

"Love, your son was born. I wish you could see.
Eyes the same as yours and cries just like me."

CHORUS

"Years have passed - How many, I don't know anymore.
Lost adrift at sea, a storm comes. It's getting cold."





"I stand under moors searching a sea of blue
And forever more, I'll wait here for you."

Overall Meaning

The opening lyrics of "This Sea" by Voltaire, "'Twas the worst of times for tinkers like you and me. So in search of fortune I took to the sea," suggest that the singer in the story is someone who's hit a rough patch in life, struggling to stay afloat amidst hardships. In an attempt to change his fortunes, the singer takes to the sea - a timeless symbol for change, journey and adventure. The reference to "tinkers" illuminates the character's working-class roots or an inclination towards carefree vagabondage, further highlighting his alienation from privileged society. The next two lines of the song, "Round my neck, a key you said was to your heart. Held it desperately as your ship left the dock," suggest that the singer had someone special in his/her life, who gave him/her a key that symbolized their love, which he/she holds close to his/her heart as they departed on board.


As the song progresses, the chorus - "I can't forget, I won't forgive this sea. For the endless hurt it gave to me. I want to stab, I want to kill this sea. Took you away, took you away from me" - underscores the singer's profound sense of loss and grief upon realizing that their special someone is gone, likely taken away by the sea or as a result of a sea-going adventure. The haunting quality of the refrain and its stark imagery reinforce the misery and violence that form an integral part of the singer's experience. The third verse - "Years have passed - How many, I don't know anymore. Lost adrift at sea, a storm comes. It's getting cold" - suggests that time has healed little or nothing for the singer, who's still lost, adrift and alone in the vast expanse of the ocean. The final lines of the song, "I stand under moors searching a sea of blue. And forever more, I'll wait here for you," depict the singer's unconditional love and devotion that endure despite the odds, hoping against hope that someone will return to fill the void in their lives.


Line by Line Meaning

'Twas the worst of times for tinkers like you and me.
It was a difficult time for people like us who make a living through small jobs or repairs.


So in search of fortune I took to the sea.
I decided to leave and search for wealth and success by going out to sea.


Round my neck, a key you said was to your heart.
You gave me a key which you said was very important to you and kept it close to your heart.


Held it desperately as your ship left the dock.
I clutched the key tightly as I watched your ship depart, hoping to see you again.


I can't forget, I won't forgive this sea
I cannot erase the painful memories and emotions caused by the sea, and I refuse to forgive it.


For the endless hurt it gave to me.
The sea brought continuous emotional pain and suffering to me.


I want to stab, I want to kill this sea.
I feel such intense anger and hatred towards the sea that I wish I could physically harm or destroy it.


Took you away, took you away from me.
The sea took you away from me, separating us and causing me great sadness.


Silks from Singapore, a treasure from Tripoli for you.
I collected valuable items, such as silks and treasures, from my travels to give to you.


And from Suvla Bay, I've scars for souvenirs.
I have physical scars from my experiences and battles in Suvla Bay, which serve as reminders of my past.


Love, your son was born. I wish you could see.
Our child was born, and I deeply wish that you could be here to witness this joyous occasion.


Eyes the same as yours and cries just like me.
Our son has eyes that resemble yours and cries in a way that reminds me of you.


Years have passed - How many, I don't know anymore.
Several years have gone by, but I've lost track of how many exactly.


Lost adrift at sea, a storm comes. It's getting cold.
I'm stranded at sea with no clear direction, and a storm is approaching. The situation is becoming dire and chilly.


I stand under moors searching a sea of blue
I'm standing on the shore, gazing out at the vast blue sea with hope and longing to see you again.


And forever more, I'll wait here for you.
I'll continue to wait and hope for your return, no matter how long it takes or how impossible it seems.




Contributed by Caden I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Gwen Lemuel Zamora

"This Sea"

"'Twas the worst of times for tinkers like you and me.
So in search of fortune I took to the sea."

"Round my neck, a key you said was to your heart.
Held it desperately as your ship left the dock."

[CHORUS:]
I can't forget, I won't forgive this sea
For the endless hurt it gave to me.
I want to stab, I want to kill this sea.
Took you away, took you away from me.

"Silks from Singapore, a treasure from Tripoli for you.
And from Suvla Bay, I've scars for souvenirs."

"Love, your son was born. I wish you could see.
Eyes the same as yours and cries just like me."

[CHORUS]

"Years have passed - How many, I don't know anymore.
Lost adrift at sea, a storm comes. It's getting cold."

"I stand under moors searching a sea of blue
And forever more, I'll wait here for you.



All comments from YouTube:

The Lair of Voltaire

I am the "real" Voltaire and yes, this is my official page where I put up my own songs.

Amethyst

thank you so much, for all your effort and emotions poured into your music!

Corpse Bunny

🥰🖤

Jake The fox

and yes, we, the fans, appreciate it <3

The Lair of Voltaire

Thanks! It was my first self-released disc so that means a lot to me!

Alvaro Mauricio Robles Rojas

Still a gem!

Chase the Master

@Marek Wygnany always has been always will be

Marek Wygnany

Still good.

Paolo Mongon

As a fan of Voltaire since The Devil's Bris was first released, I admit I did not care for this album at first... but over the years it's really grown on me. Now its one of my favorite albums of all time.

Chase the Master

Thanks for sharing and nice

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