Old Ocean
Cosmo Sheldrake
The Eternal Embrace of the Ocean: A Reflection on Life's Transience
Cosmo Sheldrake's song 'Old Ocean' is a poetic meditation on the enduring and ever-changing nature of life, symbolized by the vast and timeless ocean. The lyrics express gratitude towards the ocean for its constant presence and support, suggesting a deep connection between the speaker and the natural world. The ocean serves as a metaphor for life's ceaseless motion and the inevitability of change, encapsulating both the beauty and the melancholy of existence.
The song delves into themes of truth and love, portraying them as elusive and transient. Phrases like 'Facts on the move again' and 'Loves on the loose again' highlight the fluidity and impermanence of these concepts. The lyrics suggest that truth and love are often lost in the mundane aspects of daily life, slipping away from our grasp. This sense of loss is further emphasized by the repetition of the line 'Won't be the same without you,' which underscores the irreplaceable role of the ocean—or perhaps a loved one—in the speaker's life.
In the final verses, Sheldrake explores the idea that life is full of contradictions and uncertainties. Whether calm or stormy, green or blue, truth or story, the ocean—and by extension, life—cannot be controlled or fully understood. This acceptance of life's unpredictability is encapsulated in the line 'What will be will be,' suggesting a surrender to the natural flow of existence. The song ultimately conveys a sense of reverence for the ocean's timeless wisdom and a recognition of the interconnectedness of all things.