Submarines

The Lumineers' song 'Submarines' delves into themes of disbelief, isolation, and the struggle for credibility. The narrator recounts a surreal experience of seeing a Japanese submarine beneath the deep blue seas, a sight that no one else believes. This sets the stage for a narrative where the protagonist is dismissed and ridiculed by their community, symbolizing the broader human experience of being doubted and misunderstood.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the narrator's frustration and alienation. Despite their earnest attempts to share what they saw, they are met with laughter and skepticism. The mention of the police making jokes and telling the narrator they had seen a ghost underscores the theme of disbelief. This disbelief is not just a personal slight but a societal one, reflecting how people often dismiss what they cannot understand or what challenges their perceptions.

The song also touches on the emotional toll of being discredited. The line 'Overnight my hair turned gray' is a powerful metaphor for the stress and aging that comes with carrying a burden of truth that no one else acknowledges. The final lines, 'In the end it boils down to credibility / I had none so I will die with the secrets of the sea,' encapsulate the tragic resignation of the narrator. They are left to live with their truth in isolation, a poignant commentary on the human condition and the often lonely path of those who see what others cannot or will not see.