The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Tides" by the artist "Therapy?"

In Therapy?'s song "Tides," the lyrical protagonist is in a state of profound despair and hopelessness, possibly after a devastating loss or betrayal.

The Ship Metaphor:

The phrase "I think my ship has come in" carries a double meaning. On one hand, it can signify the end of the road, reaching a limit beyond which there is nothing. On the other hand, a ship waiting its turn in port is often associated with loneliness and abandonment. The protagonist sees no future ("I don't see tomorrow") and feels empty, left alone with their sorrow.

The Motif of Waves:

The recurring image of waves serves as a metaphor for the relentless flow of time and the inevitability of change. The waves "leave him behind," symbolizing how life passes by while he remains in his grief. The phrase "Your life goes from mine" indicates a painful separation from a loved one, possibly due to death, breakup, or loss of trust. The waves crashing one after another emphasize the continuity of this process and reinforce the protagonist's sense of powerlessness in the face of it.

The Pier and the Depths:

Standing on the pier, the protagonist is on the border of two worlds - the world of the living and the world of the unknown. He passively waits to "disappear into the deep," which can be interpreted as a metaphor for death, madness, or complete emotional immersion in his pain. Despite his fear, he feels obligated to "follow into the dark," as if it were the only path for him.

Instrumental Solo:

The solo in the middle of the song serves as a moment of culmination, conveying the full depth of the protagonist's despair and hopelessness. It gives the listener the opportunity to experience the full weight of his condition.

Repetition of the Chorus:

The multiple repetitions of the chorus at the end of the song emphasize the inevitability of what is happening. The waves rolling "wave after wave" seem to drag the protagonist into the abyss of despair, leaving him no hope of salvation.