We're Looking For The Whales

a-ha's song 'We're Looking For The Whales' is a poetic exploration of the human quest for meaning and connection. The lyrics are filled with metaphors and imagery that evoke a sense of searching and longing. The repeated line 'We're looking for a little bewildered girl' suggests a search for innocence or purity, something that seems lost or hard to find in the complexities of life. The whales, often symbols of wisdom and depth, represent a deeper understanding or enlightenment that the characters in the song are striving to attain.

The song also touches on themes of restlessness and the innate human desire to explore and understand the world. The line 'Restlessness is in our genes, time won't wear it off' speaks to the idea that this quest is a fundamental part of human nature. We are born with 'our eyes wide open,' ready to take in the world and seek out its mysteries. This sense of perpetual searching is both a burden and a gift, driving us to look beyond the surface and find deeper meaning in our experiences.

The imagery of 'angels beached outside your doors' adds a layer of melancholy and beauty to the song. It suggests that even in our search, we encounter moments of grace and wonder, but also loneliness and longing. The plea 'Don't you set those lonely eyes on me' indicates a fear of vulnerability and the pain that can come with deep connections. Ultimately, 'We're Looking For The Whales' is a hauntingly beautiful reflection on the human condition, our endless search for meaning, and the emotional landscapes we navigate along the way.