Blue Blue Ships

Coven's song "Blue Blue Ships" delves into the introspective musings of a narrator who has passed away and is now reflecting on their life and relationships from the afterlife. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who is observing the world from a 'quiet mortuary,' suggesting a state of limbo or purgatory. This setting allows the narrator to ponder the significance of their past actions and relationships, particularly with a person they refer to as their 'Southern dearie.' The use of the mortuary as a backdrop emphasizes themes of death, regret, and the search for meaning beyond life.

The recurring imagery of 'blue, blue ships sailing out across the sea' serves as a metaphor for the passage of time and the journey of life. These ships symbolize the opportunities and experiences that have sailed away, possibly due to the narrator's own actions or inactions. The line 'Cause you couldn't do better without me' hints at a sense of regret and self-blame, suggesting that the narrator feels responsible for the missed opportunities and the emotional distance that has grown between them and their loved one.

The mention of 'Londonberry' and the 'Southern dearie' adds a layer of geographical and emotional distance, further emphasizing the theme of separation. The narrator's 'empty heart' and the 'memory that clouds around their mind' indicate a deep sense of loss and longing. The final lines, 'You've got to make it, you've got to take it so long,' can be interpreted as a message of encouragement to the loved one, urging them to move forward and seize the opportunities that the narrator feels they missed. This bittersweet farewell encapsulates the song's exploration of regret, longing, and the hope for redemption even after death.