The Ocean

Lana Del Rey's song 'The Ocean' is a poignant exploration of love and loss, set against the backdrop of the vast and ever-changing sea. The lyrics convey a deep sense of melancholy and acceptance, as the narrator grapples with the impending loss of a loved one. The repeated line 'I'm in love with a dying man' serves as the song's haunting refrain, emphasizing the narrator's commitment to her partner even in the face of his mortality. The ocean, with its connotations of depth and infinity, becomes a metaphor for the narrator's emotions—powerful, overwhelming, and ultimately uncontrollable.

The song's narrative suggests a journey, both literal and emotional. The opening lines 'Bound up the stairs / I'm in the shower' imply a sense of urgency and preparation, as if the narrator is bracing herself for what's to come. The mention of 'fresh from the shore' and 'blonde hair is white' evokes a transformation, perhaps signifying the purity and clarity that comes with accepting the inevitable. The ocean's ability to make the narrator cry reflects its role as a mirror to her soul, revealing a raw and vulnerable state of being.

The latter part of the song introduces a cryptic element with the lines 'One, two / Make it fun / Don't trust anyone.' This could be interpreted as the narrator's coping mechanism, a way to deal with the pain of her situation by adopting a playful, distrustful attitude towards the world. It's a stark contrast to the deep love and devotion she expresses for the dying man, suggesting a complex emotional landscape where love, fear, and resignation coexist.