The Ocean

U2

About The Ocean

"The Ocean" is a song by U2 and the seventh track from their debut album, Boy. The song is one of U2's shortest, at just over a minute and a half in length.


Year:
1980
1:35
110 

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A picture in grey
Dorian Gray
Just me by the sea

And I felt like a star
I felt the world could go far
If they listened
To what I said, the sea

Washes my feet
Washes the feet
Splashes the soul of my shoes

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U2

U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group consists of Bono (vocals and guitar), The Edge (guitar, keyboards, and vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen, Jr. (drums and percussion). U2's early sound was rooted in post-punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music. Throughout the group's musical pursuits, they have maintained a sound built on melodic instrumentals, highlighted by The Edge's timbrally varied guitar sounds and Bono's expressive vocals. Their lyrics, often embellished with spiritual imagery, focus on personal themes and sociopolitical concerns. more »

10 fans

Written by: ADAM CLAYTON, DAVE EVANS, LARRY MULLEN, PAUL HEWSON

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album
"The Ocean" is a track from U2’s debut studio album, “Boy”, which was released on October 20, 1980.
Lyrics
Compared to U2’s later tracks, "The Ocean" has decidedly minimalist lyrics, clocking in at under two minutes.
Inspiration
The song was reportedly inspired by the childhood memories of Bono – U2's lead vocalist, especially his trips to the seaside with his family, providing a moment of reflection and tranquility.
Live Performances
Despite being from their debut album, "The Ocean" didn't make its live debut until 9 years later in 1989, and has only been performed around 30 times live in concert.
Negative Reception
The song has often been cited as the "weakest" track on the album "Boy" by various music critics, due to its brevity and vagueness.
Bono's Emotions
Bono, once mentioned that "The Ocean" represents a sense of feeling trapped, reflecting the claustrophobia he felt while growing up in Ireland.
Structure
"The Ocean" features slower guitar work by The Edge compared to other tracks on the album, giving the track a more ambient sound.
Symbolism
Bono has often used the ocean as a metaphor in his lyrics, representing vastness, mystery, and both tranquility and tumult.
Album Theme
As with the rest of the album, "The Ocean" carries the general theme of childhood and adolescence.
Writing
The song, like most of the band's music, was written by all four members of U2.

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    "The Ocean Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/14638887/U2/The+Ocean>.

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