From Deep Sea Vents (album), 2024.
Deep Blue features: Bruce Hornsby (electric sitar, vocals), Alex Sopp (flute), C.J. Camerieri (trumpet), Rob Moose (violin), Nadia Sirota (viola), Gabriel Cabezas (cello), Mark Dover (clarinet), Chad Wright (drums)
From BruceHornsby.com:
“The existential anxiety of exploration becomes a funky strut stuck somewhere between triphop and Ligeti.”
Context:
Deep sea
Roughly 200 metres below the ocean surface is the “deep sea” – an area of dramatically reduced temperature, extreme pressure and disappearing light. It remains largely unexplored, with conditions making it impractical to access. See also: Smithsonian Institute and History of deep sea exploration.
Deep Blue meaning of the song
Bruce Hornsby’s “Deep Blue” is deep indeed, discussing existential reflection, the pursuit of dreams, and the complexities of life and relationships. The song explores the space between aspiration and reality, highlighting the inherent challenges and beauty found in that liminal space.
Thematic elements
Existential reflection
The opening lines depict a man “pursuing the horizon,” which serves as a metaphor for the endless search for meaning or fulfillment. It suggests a journey that is both circular and futile, as the narrator is unable to reach their destination, illustrating the elusive nature of our aspirations. Bruce’s interaction with the man, where he says, “It is futile,” suggest that despite our efforts, some pursuits may ultimately feel meaningless.
Talking to the Universe
“I said to the universe, sir, I exist” portrays a deep introspection – the speaker’s recognition of their own existence in a vast and indifferent cosmos. The universe’s cold response, “the fact does not create in me a sense of obligation” reinforces the idea of isolation. This exchange emphasises the struggle between human desire for meaning and the universe’s apathy, echoing philosophical themes found in existentialist literature.
Mermaid imagery
The “mermaid” is often associated with beauty, allure, and the unattainable. In folklore, mermaids can also symbolise temptation and the dangers of straying from a path. In the context of the song, the mermaid represents a figure of fascination and desire, embodying the dreamlike quality of love or aspiration. The line “that’s where we play, my mermaid and me” suggests a fantasy relationship, free from the constraints of reality.
Heaven and the deep blue sea
Being “between heaven and the deep blue sea” is a balance between two extremes – idealism and realism. It reflects the tension between the beauty of dreams (heaven) and the harsh realities of life (the deep blue sea). This duality invites listeners to consider the complexities of existence, where joy and sorrow coexist in the same space.
Imagery and symbolism
The pursuit of the horizon
The man’s futile chase of the horizon reflects unattainable goals and the nature of ambition. It suggests that the further one chases their dreams, the more elusive they become, reinforcing the idea that the journey itself is often more significant than the destination.
Riddles and rumination
The phrase “deep in rumination and riddle” recounts a state of contemplation and introspection. It suggests that the narrator is grappling with complex thoughts and emotions, highlighting the internal struggles many face when contemplating their place in the world. The “riddle” is that life’s questions are often perplexing and not easily answered.
“Deep Blue” explores themes of existence, ambition, and the interplay between dreams and reality. Through its introspective lyrics, Bruce Hornsby invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys, the nature of their aspirations, and the relationships that shape their experiences – the complexities of life, embracing both its challenges and its joys.