Ocean Of Tears

Caroline Polachek's 'Ocean Of Tears' is a poignant exploration of longing and emotional turbulence. The song delves into the intense feelings of desire and the painful distance that separates two people who yearn to be together. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the emotional struggle, using the metaphor of an 'ocean of tears' to represent the vast expanse of sorrow and obstacles that stand between the singer and her desired connection. This metaphor not only emphasizes the depth of her feelings but also the seemingly insurmountable challenges she faces in bridging the gap between her and her love interest.

The song's opening lines, 'This is gonna be torture, before it's sublime,' set the tone for the emotional journey that follows. Polachek acknowledges the pain and difficulty of the situation, yet she remains hopeful for the eventual bliss that could come from overcoming these challenges. The repeated questioning of 'Does that make it crazy?' suggests a self-awareness of the irrationality of her intense emotions, yet she is willing to embrace the madness for the chance of experiencing true connection.

Throughout the song, Polachek's lyrics convey a sense of urgency and desperation. Phrases like 'Pulse is racing and racing and racing' and 'Someone stop me, I'm going down' highlight the overwhelming nature of her emotions. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the central theme of separation and longing, making it clear that the 'ocean of tears' is both a literal and figurative barrier. The song captures the universal experience of yearning for closeness and the heartache that comes with feeling so near yet so far from achieving it.