Mercury
The Ocean Blue
The Elusive Struggles of the Soul in 'Mercury' by The Ocean Blue
The Ocean Blue's song 'Mercury' delves into the ephemeral and often elusive nature of personal struggles and emotional turmoil. The lyrics paint a picture of a person who feels almost invisible, slipping away from reality momentarily. This sense of invisibility and elusiveness is captured in the repeated lines 'Quietly, almost elusively / Almost invisibly,' suggesting a struggle that is deeply internal and not easily perceived by others. The use of the word 'Mercury' in the song title and lyrics could symbolize the fluid and unpredictable nature of these emotions, much like the element mercury itself, which is known for its liquid state and quicksilver movements.
The imagery of being 'ripped in two, then pasted back again, / Then crumpled up inside, / Then tossed aside' vividly describes the cyclical and often painful process of dealing with emotional distress. This metaphor of being torn apart and then reassembled only to be discarded again highlights the repetitive and exhausting nature of such struggles. The repetition of the phrase 'Happened once, then it / happened twice, / Then it happened thrice, / And now a fourth?' emphasizes the recurring nature of these emotional episodes, suggesting a sense of inevitability and helplessness.
The refrain 'oh Mercury' serves as a poignant cry for understanding or perhaps a plea for relief from these relentless cycles. The song's structure, with its repetitive lines and haunting melody, mirrors the ongoing and seemingly unending nature of the protagonist's emotional battles. The Ocean Blue, known for their dreamy and introspective musical style, effectively uses these elements to create a song that resonates with anyone who has experienced the quiet, almost invisible struggles of the soul.