June was the lobster shell
I dug by hand
A haven that hid me well
Beneath the sand
The wide windy waves washed in
But I stayed dry
The grave breakers broke again
As I nodded off and sighed.
And then
When the empress ran aground
And my eyes turned blue and green
I heard a gorgeous sound
And that's when it became a dream
When the sky fell in
When the hurricanes came for me
I could finally crash again
And that's how I became the sea
I wrenched the engines off
And drank them down
The depths turned the iron soft
As they swiftly drowned
And I brought the oceanside
To its rusty knees
As I felt the even tide
Deep in my shallow dreams
And then
When the empress ran aground
And my eyes turned blue and green
I heard a gorgeous sound
And that's when it became a dream
When the sky fell in
When the hurricanes came for me
I could finally crash again
And that's how I became the sea
(When the sky fell in)
When the sky fell in
(When the sky fell in)
When the hurricanes came for me
I could finally crash again
And that's how I became the sea
(How I became the sea)
That's how I became the sea
(How I became the sea)
That's how I became the sea
(How I became the sea)
(How I became the sea)
(How I became the sea)
(How I became the sea)
(How I became the sea)
(How I became the sea)
(When the sky fell in)
(When the hurricanes came for me)
(I could finally crash again)
(And that's how I became the sea)
Owl City- How I Became the Sea (Bonus Track)
How I Became the Sea Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
How I Became the Sea by Owl City: Exploring the Depths of Meaning and Biblical Analysis
Introduction:
"How I Became the Sea" is a captivating song by Owl City, the musical project of American musician Adam Young. Released in 2011 as part of the album "All Things Bright and Beautiful," this song takes listeners on a lyrical journey through the depths of the sea and the emotions associated with it.
I. The Journey Begins: Seeking Refuge in the Lobster Shell
The song opens with the lines, "June was the lobster shell, I dug by hand, a haven that hid me well beneath the sand." These lyrics set the stage for the journey that the protagonist embarks on. The lobster shell symbolizes a safe space, a place of refuge where the narrator hides from the challenges and difficulties of life. It represents the desire to escape from the world's troubles and find solace within oneself.
II. The Power of the Sea: Finding Peace Amidst Chaos
As the song progresses, the narrator describes the waves washing in, but despite their force, he remains dry. This imagery highlights the power and unpredictability of the sea, yet the protagonist remains untouched by its turmoil. The line "The great breakers broke again as I nodded off inside" indicates a sense of peace and tranquility despite the chaos surrounding him. It suggests a state of mind where one is able to find inner peace amidst the storms of life.
III. The Empress and the Dream: Surrendering to a Greater Calling
The lyrics take a turn as the narrator mentions the Empress running aground, referring to a shipwreck. This event seems to trigger a transformation within the protagonist. The line "And my eyes turned blue and green" symbolizes a change in perspective or a shift in identity. The sea becomes a source of inspiration and a calling that the narrator cannot resist.
The line "I heard a gorgeous sound, and that's when it became a dream" alludes to a mystical experience, a moment of awakening to a higher purpose. This dream-like state represents the protagonist's surrender to a greater calling, embracing the power and beauty of the sea as a metaphor for something beyond oneself.
IV. Becoming the Sea: Embracing Transformation and Influence
The chorus of the song emphasizes the transformation of the protagonist from an individual seeking refuge to becoming one with the sea. The lyrics "When the sky fell in, when the hurricanes came for me, I could finally crash again, and that's how I became the sea" suggest a willingness to embrace change, to let go of personal limitations, and to merge with a greater force.
This transformation can be interpreted as a metaphor for personal growth, letting go of fears and insecurities, and allowing oneself to be influenced and shaped by external forces. It is a surrender to the power of the sea, which represents something larger than oneself.
Meaning and Inspiration:
The meaning of "How I Became the Sea" can be subjective and open to interpretation. However, it is clear that the song explores themes of personal transformation, surrender, and the search for inner peace. It presents the sea as a powerful force that can both challenge and inspire individuals to become something greater.
While there isn't a confirmed backstory or specific inspiration for the song, it is possible that Adam Young drew from his own experiences and emotions. As a Christian artist, his faith often influences his music, and it is likely that his personal relationship with God played a role in shaping the themes and messages present in the song.
Biblical Analysis:
In order to critically analyze whether "How I Became the Sea" aligns with Biblical principles, we can examine the key themes presented in the song and compare them to relevant scriptures.
1. Seeking Refuge and Peace: The desire to find refuge and peace is a common theme in the Bible. Psalm 46:1 states, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." The lobster shell in the song can be seen as a representation of seeking refuge in God during times of difficulty.
2. Surrender and Transformation: The act of surrendering to a greater calling and being transformed is a central message in Christianity. Romans 12:2 urges believers to "not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." The protagonist's transformation and surrender to the sea can be seen as a metaphor for surrendering to God's will and allowing Him to transform one's life.
3. Embracing Influence and Impact: The idea of becoming something greater and embracing influence can be related to the concept of being a light in the world. Matthew 5:14-16 states, "You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." The protagonist's willingness to crash and become the sea can be seen as a desire to make a positive impact on the world and reflect God's light.
Conclusion:
"How I Became the Sea" is a captivating song that takes listeners on a metaphorical journey through the depths of the sea and the depths of the human experience. It explores themes of seeking refuge, surrender, transformation, and embracing influence. While the song doesn't have a confirmed backstory or specific inspiration, it can be interpreted through a Christian lens, highlighting the themes' alignment with Biblical principles.
Ultimately, the meaning of the song is subjective and may vary for each listener. It invites us to reflect on our own journeys, the challenges we face, and the transformations we undergo. It encourages us to find solace, peace, and purpose in surrendering to a greater calling and allowing ourselves to be shaped by external forces.
