Ocean Bed

King Krule's 'Ocean Bed' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of emotional turbulence and longing. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with the overwhelming tides of their feelings, using the metaphor of the ocean to convey the depth and intensity of their emotions. The opening lines, 'We'll soak it in / I mean, this sponge side / Is coated in / The warmth of your tides,' suggest a sense of immersion in these emotions, as if the narrator is absorbing the warmth and comfort of a loved one's presence, only to be swept away by the powerful currents of their feelings.

The narrative then shifts to a character named Victor, who walks to the edge of town and finds himself in a place of despair, symbolized by the trash heaps. His tears and questions about his father and lover indicate a deep sense of loss and confusion. The lines 'Are you in heaven, father? / I need you so / Have you melted yet lover, lover, lover? / For reasons unknown?' reflect a yearning for connection and understanding, as well as the pain of unresolved emotions. The imagery of a 'burning soul' bleeding into the bed further emphasizes the intensity of these feelings, as the narrator drifts away, consumed by their emotional turmoil.

The recurring refrain, 'Neither of us remain,' underscores a sense of dissolution and loss. The narrator seems to be surrendering to the waves of their emotions, allowing them to take what they adore and sweep it away. This sense of surrender is both poignant and cathartic, as it suggests a release from the weight of these feelings, even as it acknowledges the pain of letting go. The song's melancholic tone and evocative imagery create a powerful emotional landscape, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences of love, loss, and longing.